"Japa": Nigerian Students' Population in UK Universities Hits All-Time High

"Japa": Nigerian Students' Population in UK Universities Hits All-Time High

  • A new report has revealed that the number of Nigerian students in the UK is now at a new high
  • UK universities, particularly private boarding schools, see Nigeria as an increasingly attractive market and warmly welcome Nigerian students
  • Each year, Nigerian students and their dependents contribute around £1.93 billion to the UK economy

According to the latest official data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the population of Nigerian students studying in the UK has reached an all-time high of 44,195 for the academic year 2021/2022.

This represents a significant increase from the previous year's figure of 21,305 students.

UK universities
The UK government is apprehensive about the number of student dependents in the UK. Credit: @Rishi @school.com
Source: Facebook

Nigeria's student population compared to other countries

The top 10 international students listed according to HESA's statistics are as follows:

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  • China - 151,690
  • India - 126,535
  • Nigeria - 44,195
  • United States - 22,990
  • Hong Kong - 17,630
  • Bangladesh - 12,700
  • Malaysia - 12,135
  • Saudi Arabia - 8,750
  • United Arab Emirates - 8,085
  • Canada - 7,485

UK economy benefits from Nigeria

A recent report by SBM Intelligence revealed that Nigerian students and their dependents contributed an estimated £1.93 billion to the UK economy in 2021.

The breakdown of the total sum shows that students spent £680.6 million on school fees, followed by £408.4 million on rent, £151.3 million on national insurance, £54.4 million on tax of working spouse, £41.8 million on National Health Service (NHS), and £41.7 million on visa fees.

Apart from school fees paid by Nigerian immigrants to British schools, the UK gains from visa fees, NHS payments, rent, economic productivity, income taxes (in the instances where the students work), etc.

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In another report, Legit.ng disclosed that a Nigerian residing abroad published a comprehensive estimate of how much it may cost to migrate to the United Kingdom.

Although he clarified that it is only an estimate, his study is sure to give direction to Nigerians travelling as singles, married couples, and families

The number of Nigerians leaving for the UK is at an all-time high, mainly via studies.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.