Many universities in the United Kingdom typically depend on foreign students to stay afloat. They are facing hard times, and some could close shop as the impact of the restrictive policies of the current British government kicks in.

In a classic case of cutting off the nose to spite the face, Britain is hurting itself with its policy of preventing students from Nigeria and other countries from studying in its universities. Many of these schools typically depend on international students for a greater part of their revenue.

Policies of the current government have been largely insular, appealing to a narrowing political base to shore up its fortunes.

The Migration Advisory Committee, an independent body which offers the UK government advice, has published the Rapid Review of the Graduate Route report. In the document, it says that the number of international postgraduate students paying deposits to study at British universities by September had dropped by 63 percent, compared with the previous year, after the government put restrictions on education visas.

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The report warned that further restrictions on the so-called graduate route, which allows foreign students to work in Britain for up to two years after graduation, would lead to job losses, course closures and a risk that some institutions would fail.

Nigeria is one of the biggest contributors to the number of international students studying in Britain. Together with China and India, the country’s young population aspire to acquire degrees in foreign universities as they believe such qualifications give them an edge in the labour market.

In a report released by the Central Bank of Nigeria on the balance of payment compilation spanning the first six months of 2023, Nigerians spent US$896million on foreign education. In another data from the apex bank covering between 2010 and 2020, Nigerians spent an estimated $28.65billion. British universities are the biggest beneficiaries of this spending.

With the restrictions being implemented by Rishi Sunak, British Prime Minister, many of the universities that depend on foreign students will face hard times, and some indeed could close shop.

Esther McVey, a minister in Sunak’s cabinet, said on Monday that some British universities were selling immigration to international students rather than education. A spokesman for Sunak said the government would consider the report and respond. But the spokesman highlighted concerns about the scheme, pointing out that more than 40 percent of international students using the route were either not working or earning below salutary wages.

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Although it was reported the Migration Advisory Committee found no evidence of widespread abuse especially for the graduate route, the report warned that further restrictions, which allow foreign students to work in Britain for up to two years after graduation, would lead to job losses, course closures and a risk that some institutions would fail.

In addition to the restrictive policies, the severe devaluation of the naira has also limited the ambition of Nigerians to study abroad.

Adewole Ojo

Adewole Ojo is the Editor-in-Chief of Meiza Nigeria. He can be reached on adewole.ojo@fourpoints.ng.