UK is delighted to have many Nigerians but — Richard Montgomery

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, revealed on Wednesday that the number of Nigerians choosing the United Kingdom as their destination for studying abroad has multiplied five times over the past three years.

The envoy explained that the recent decision by the UK to ban international students from bringing family members with them starting in 2024 aims to prevent overburdening the country’s housing infrastructure and to manage the inflow of migrants.

Richard Montgomery made these remarks after a closed-door meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting took place one month after Montgomery presented his letter of credence to former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 18.

The UK Home Office announced on May 23 that international students, including Nigerians, would no longer be allowed to bring their family members to the UK starting in January 2024. Additionally, overseas students would be restricted from switching from the student visa route to a work visa until they complete their studies.

This decision has sparked mixed reactions from international students, educational institutions, and some British lawmakers. Critics argue that the new regulations could exacerbate labor shortages in critical sectors like healthcare and potentially jeopardize the country’s reputation as a top destination for global talent.

In response to questions regarding the regulations, the British High Commissioner offered insights into the rationale behind them.

Montgomery highlighted two main factors: the challenges of accommodating the existing student population’s housing and service needs, and the need to manage visitor numbers and migration flow in and out of the UK, similar to the Nigerian government’s approach.

Montgomery emphasized the substantial increase in the number of Nigerian students choosing the UK for their higher education, noting that it had grown fivefold in the last three years. He hailed this trend as a remarkable success story for British universities and expressed delight over the significant influx of Nigerian students.

During the meeting with Vice President Shettima, discussions centered on the current policy direction of the Bola Tinubu administration.

The British envoy acknowledged the positive reception of Nigeria’s economic decisions by UK investors, citing the removal of subsidies and exchange rate reforms as key developments that have enhanced the investment environment.

Montgomery also mentioned his recent interactions with British business representatives in finance, banking, and investment sectors, who responded positively to Nigeria’s economic reforms.

The British government pledged assistance to Nigeria to alleviate the effects of discontinuing petroleum subsidies, which have contributed to challenging economic conditions for Nigerians. Montgomery assured that the implemented reforms would propel Nigeria toward a path of higher economic growth, attracting more investments.

The United Kingdom, particularly the city of London, views Nigeria as a significant opportunity for trade and investment, and the British High Commissioner expressed his commitment to further enhancing these partnerships.

As Nigeria continues to focus on economic reforms and attract foreign investments, the collaboration between the two countries is expected to strengthen, creating a mutually beneficial environment and fostering long-term growth prospects.