Over 15 universities in the United Kingdom have announced plans to lay off staff and discontinue certain courses due to a significant drop in enrolment by foreign students, including Nigerians.
According to a report by University World News, this decline is especially pronounced at the postgraduate level.
This downturn in enrolment is attributed in part to recent changes in UK immigration policies, which have reduced the incentives for international students.
Additionally, there are growing concerns that the rising cost of living globally may deter foreign students from pursuing undergraduate studies.
From prestigious institutions like the Russell Group Universities to mid-tier and Scottish universities, the impact is widespread.
For example, Robert Gordon University (RGU) has recently implemented a voluntary severance scheme in response to financial strain caused by dwindling international student enrolments, exacerbated by post-Brexit immigration policy changes.
RGU cites escalating cost pressures and significant reductions in public funding as contributing factors to their current predicament.
