161 Nigerian Students Denied Entry to UK Amid Strict Border Checks

Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 1,425 international students were denied entry into the United Kingdom upon arrival at various airports, with 161 of them being Nigerian. According to data obtained from the UK Home Office, Nigeria ranked second among the affected countries, following India, which had the highest number of students turned back. The reasons for these denials have not been fully disclosed by the UK Home Office. However, common issues include students' inability to satisfy Border Force officers during checks, presentation of forged documents, and deficiencies in English language proficiency. Immigration experts have criticized the UK Border Force for overstepping their role by questioning students on their academic knowledge—tasks typically reserved for university admissions officers.

An immigration lawyer based in North London, Dele Olawanle, expressed his concern over the treatment of students at UK borders, noting that officers often challenge students on details related to their courses. He called for a review of these practices, arguing that the officers are not qualified to assess students' academic credentials.

Despite these challenges, the UK continues to be a top destination for Nigerian students, with 72,355 Nigerians enrolled for the 2022/2023 academic year. Nigerian students and their dependents significantly contribute to the UK economy, with estimates showing a £1.9 billion input during the 2021/2022 academic session alone.