LONDON — More than 1,400 international students with valid admissions to UK universities were denied entry at British airports between 2021 and 2023, according to exclusive data obtained from the UK Home Office through a Freedom of Information request. A total of 161 Nigerians were affected, as they were removed on arrival at airports across the UK.
Key findings:
- 1,425 international students were removed on arrival at UK airports
- 161 Nigerian students were affected, making up 11.3% of the total
- India topped the list with 644 students (45%), followed by Ghana with 92 (6.46%)
The data, covering October 2021 to October 2023, does not include students deported for visa violations such as working beyond permitted hours or academic misconduct.
While the Home Office did not specify reasons for denial, sources suggest issues may include:
- Inability to satisfy Border Force officers during checks
- Presentation of forged documents
- Deficiency in English language skills
Immigration lawyer Dele Olawanle criticized the practice, stating, “UK border officers have turned themselves into university officials at the point of entry by questioning students… on some aspects of the course they are going to start.”
This comes as Nigerian student enrollment in UK universities has surged, reaching 72,355 in the 2022/2023 academic year. An SBM Intelligence analysis estimates Nigerian students and their dependents contributed £1.9bn to the UK economy in the 2021/2022 session.
