A Nigerian postgraduate student at Swansea University, Emmanuel Okohoboh, has been apologised to and offered compensation by the UK varsity after he was told to return home for late payment.
Why Emmanuel Okohoboh Was Told to Return to Nigeria by Swansea University
The 26-year-old and two others were barred from the university in August 2023 after paying tuition fees “hours late”.
The lateness was related to banking crises in Nigeria during the 2023 elections in February where many students struggled to transfer money when the school has issued a deadline for March.
How Emmanuel Fought His Case With Swansea University
He affirmed that his payment of £4000 was made at the appropriate time before the deadline and his expulsion from his Masters programme was unfair because once the Varsity canceled his sponsorship, it meant that he will have to leave the UK as his visa will no longer be valid.
Swansea University’s Reaction to Emmanuel’s Case
After internal investigation, the school accepted him back and noted that there were some irregularities while handling the case.
Swansea University wrote that it “sincerely apologises to Emmanuel for any confusion, distress and inconvenience these failings may have caused,” ITV Wales reported.
The University also offered to pay him a compensation of £1000 “in recognition of the failings identified and for any related distress and inconvenience which these failings caused to Emmanuel.”
A spokesperson for the university said they do not comment on individual cases but provide appropriate support to international students where possible and in line with their UKVI compliance requirements.
The grateful Emmanuel thereafter appreciated the gesture from his school but noted that he was unhappy about the situation while it happened.
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