Social media was set buzzing on Tuesday after the United Kingdom announced that foreign students will no longer be allowed to bring dependants into the country.
PUNCH METRO reported that under the new rule, which will take effect in January 2024, the UK will remove the permission for international students to switch out of the student route and into work routes before their studies have been completed to prevent misuse of the visa system.
Many Nigerians who were displeased by the decision were vocal with their opinion, with a large number of the criticism directed towards a Nigerian YouTuber, Emdee Tiamiyu, over his interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation.
According to Tiamiyu, who works an an advisor on studying in the United Kingdom for Nigerians, a significant proportion of Nigerian students seeking to study in the UK are not primarily motivated by the acquisition of new academic qualifications, but rather by the desire to commence a new life overseas.
He stated that a majority of individuals who applied for education in the country viewed it solely as an alternative method to flee from Nigeria.
He said, “The student route is more like an answered prayer. It is a big bracket that’s able to take a lot of people, the ordinary people.
“We’re beginning to see that a lot of people just hide behind the studentship. So the student thing is not real, it’s not like they need the degrees,” he said.
According to Tiamiyu, although visas can be curtailed if foreign students’ attendance and academic performance are unsatisfactory, there are still students who exhibit a lack of concern towards the intricacies of their education.
He further revealed that the course can serve as a means to transition into a new life in the United Kingdom, affording individuals the opportunity to remain in the country for an additional two to three years through a graduate visa.
Alternatively, individuals may be eligible for a skilled worker visa if they secure suitable employment.
Based on available data, foreign students studying in the United Kingdom are subject to a restriction of 20 hours per week for employment during term time, which poses a challenge in terms of generating substantial income while on a student visa. According to Tiamiyu, the issuance of family visas can enhance economic feasibility, given that a student’s spouse who accompanies them can engage in full-time employment.
According to him, not all marriages are authentic. In certain instances, individuals would convene at a designated location in Lagos prior to embarking on their journey.
His comments has continued to generate various reactions as many Nigerians have chosen to hold him responsible for the latest immigration policy of the United Kingdom.
A tweep identified as @Francis Ebura, tweeted, “Dear @BBCNews,
Nigerians have been made aware of a video showing your interview with one “Emdee Tiamiyu” who claimed that Nigerians do not go to the UK because they need the degree. For the avoidance of doubt, your interviewee has spoken strictly for himself & not for Nigerians.
“Over the years, Nigerians have demonstrated a high level of intelligence & passion for education. This you can attest to by the number of Nigerians that are awarded the yearly Chevening & Commonwealth Scholarships by the UK govt.
“All of these awardees successfully completed their programs and are doing excellently well in different parts of the world. Even those who have gone to study in the UK without any form of scholarship, have painstakingly did so because they believe in the high standards of British education.
“The young man who appeared in your interview is most likely out of touch with reality, or got into the UK through a dubious process or he is probably not a Nigerian.Please disregard his incoherent and despicable allegations,” he tweeted.
Also social media influencer, @DrPenKing, tweeted,”This is Emdee Tiamiyu, a Yoruba man from Osun State. This is the man that has destroyed the hope of millions of young Nigerians in this generation and generation unborn by revealing the means they use to escape poverty, oppression and hardship in Nigeria. He is domiciled in UK himself.
“Emdee Tiamiyu himself migrated to UK as a dependent but has now cut the ladder behind him by granting a completely unnecessary interview for 3 minutes of cheap fame on television.”
Similarly, @Daniel Regha, in his response tweeted, “Emdee Tiamiyu is a m!ndless clown. Nigerians are already being stigmatized, our country has a negative image but instead of correcting the wrong perceptions he deliberately threw Nigerians under the bus for views & cheap clout. Ignorance is a disease. Hope karma visits him soon.”
While @BananaRepublik, tweeted, “The guy gave a one sided perspective but also forgot that these people who migrated have also contributed greatly to the economy and development of the host nation in sectors like, health, education and sports etc. It is always a win-win for both parties.”
