UK varsities mull cutting courses, staff over drop in Nigerian, Indian, other foreign students enrollment
![NIGERIAN STUDENTS ABROAD](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Nigerian-students-in-UK-1062x598-1.jpg)
Universities in the United Kingdom are considering cutting off courses over the reduction of foreign students enrollment, which is beginning to affect the funding of various institutions.
According to a report in The Times on Saturday, university leaders warned that the loss of one-third of foreign students has threatened to push institutions into loss, forcing them to make “really difficult” cuts such as closing entire courses and reducing the number of teaching staff, among other measures.
The executive secretary of the University Chairs Committee, John Rushforth, told the newspaper, “I have been in higher education for 30 years and senior leaders are more concerned than ever.”
He added that “bankruptcy is a realistic possibility,” with one in ten already cutting staff this year.
Mr Rushforth continued, “Accepting fewer British students is a last resort, but if you are losing something, people have to consider it. We have to analyse everything because the situation is very serious.”
“Universities have to think carefully about what they want to protect and make decisions about how to divest things that are not core to the institution. There will be fewer options for students. So, basically, you either have to increase revenue or reduce quality or volume,” he said.
Some universities have blamed the decline in Nigerian student enrollment on the country’s economic crisis, as the naira plummeted against the pound.
The Financial Times reported in January that enrollment into UK universities had fallen by over a one-third from key countries, including Nigeria and India.
Following the announcement by the UK authorities to stop international students from bringing in dependents on their study visa, there was panic among universities that they might fall into deficit.
Earlier this year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced new immigration policies barring international graduate students from bringing family members to the UK.
In December, he also announced that the government was reviewing the so-called “graduate route”, enabling international students to work in the UK for two years.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
![Katsina State](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/1863B29B-AC06-49E0-ADFA-655BBEC3389A.jpeg)
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
![FRSC](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4941.jpg)
States
FRSC tasks motorists to change expired tyres as rainy season approaches
According to him, the FRSC has started a general campaign against speeding to prevent avoidable crashes during the season.
![NUGA games 2022](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Nuga-games-2022-1200x677.jpg)
Sport
African Games: Sports minister charges Nigerian athletes to light up tracks
Nigeria is second behind Egypt on the medals table at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
![President Bola Tinubu](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/TINUBU-7.png)
Economy
Reopen border with Benin Republic, Osun traditional ruler begs Tinubu
He urged the federal government not to completely take every advice and policy of the IMF.
![Ned Nwoko](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/7DDE7174-AD65-4BCA-8C54-CAEE6DDD1C03.png)
States
Lawmaker condemns killing of 16 soldiers in Delta, appeals against reprisals
“Those responsible for these senseless acts must be identified and brought to justice.”
![Rotary International](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/Rotary-International-.png)
Health
Rotary International supports Nigeria with $2 million to tackle maternal mortality
He attributed the complications to postpartum haemorrhage, high blood pressure, sepsis, and adolescent pregnancy.
![IFAD](https://i1.wp.com/gazettengr.com/wp-content/uploads/IFAD-e1710668861592-1200x644.webp)
States
IFAD to partner Nigeria in addressing food, nutrition challenges
“My visit is also to review IFAD partnership with Nigeria on food security and agriculture.