Endless Attacks On Nigerian Students Abroad Raise Alarming Concerns

Nigerian students studying abroad are increasingly becoming targets for violence and elimination. Whether by security agents or citizens of their host countries, the threat is pervasive across continents, from Africa to Europe, Asia to America……..CONTINUE READING

Many Nigerians seeking quality education in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Ghana, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus have recently faced gruesome murders. These tragic incidents have left parents in profound sorrow and anguish as they lose their children, often just before they complete their studies or soon after they begin.

Despite these heinous crimes, justice remains elusive. Host countries frequently treat such incidents with levity, failing to pursue investigations to conclusive ends, thus allowing offenders to escape accountability.

On May 17, 2024, 43-year-old Nigerian Prince Ebuka was allegedly shot and killed by South African police in Danielskuil, Northern Cape. The Nigerian Diaspora Forum (NDF) condemned the killing, urging South African authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. The NDF’s Country Director, Hon. Chike Amadichi, emphasized the need for justice and transparency in this and similar cases, which have raised concerns about the safety of Nigerians in South Africa, who have faced xenophobic attacks and harassment.

Similarly, the family of 19-year-old Afolabi Opaso is still seeking answers about his death on December 31, 2023. Afolabi was allegedly shot dead by Winnipeg police officers in Manitoba, Canada, during a well-being call.

Despite these dangers, many Nigerian parents continue to seek education visas for their children, driven by the belief that Nigeria’s education system is failing. The collapse of Nigeria’s educational infrastructure has led to a surge in education tourism, with Nigerians attributing the plight of students abroad to leadership failures.

Human rights lawyer Malachy Ugwumadu highlights the connection between the outsourcing of education and the systemic failure in Nigeria. He argues that the inability of successive governments to meet the United Nations’ recommended budgetary requirements for education has exacerbated the situation. Ugwumadu also notes that prolonged industrial actions by lecturers have disrupted students’ education, leading parents to prefer private universities or send their children abroad despite the high costs and risks.

The poor treatment of Nigerians abroad is partly due to global resentment towards Nigeria’s perceived squandering of its potential. This hostility manifests in various forms of discrimination and violence against Nigerian students. Ugwumadu calls on the National Assembly to enforce its oversight functions and compel the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take decisive actions to protect Nigerian citizens.

Mrs. Chinyere Anokwuru, President of SelfWorth Organisation for Women Development, argues that despite the dangers, those who can afford to send their children abroad should not be discouraged, citing the dysfunctional Nigerian education system. She also emphasizes the importance of proper parental guidance to prevent students from getting involved in risky behaviors abroad.

Public administrator Curis Anthony calls for a holistic approach to understanding why Nigerian students travel abroad, considering the state of education and security in Nigeria. He points out that many students go abroad out of desperation, driven by the failure of Nigeria’s educational system and the need to survive.

Anthony concludes that unless Nigeria addresses these systemic issues, the trend of seeking education abroad will continue, despite the inherent dangers. He emphasizes the need for the Nigerian government to guarantee basic necessities and create a conducive academic environment to curb this exodus.