The United Kingdom has announced that Nigerians account for 10% of all new visas issued in the past two years.
This was revealed by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, in an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Monday.
The discussion highlighted the UK’s visa processes and its long-standing relationship with Nigeria, particularly the significant role Nigerians play in shaping the UK’s visa landscape.
“Nigeria is one of our largest visa partners. Nigerians received 10% of all new visas granted by the UK over the last two years. Many Nigerians still have five- or ten-year visas. “There is a huge relationship,” Montgomery explained.
The large Commissioner also underlined the importance of Nigerian students in the UK’s higher education system, citing their significant contribution to the large volume of visas awarded. He explained how this educational exchange fosters ties between the two countries and influences visa trends.
Montgomery also discussed the requirement for Nigerian students to take English language proficiency tests, such as IELTS, when applying to study in the UK. Despite English being Nigeria’s official language, these tests are necessary to ensure applicants have the language skills needed to thrive in the UK’s rigorous academic environment.
Addressing the global nature of this requirement, Montgomery explained that it serves a broader purpose beyond Nigeria. “Unfortunately, many people apply for higher education in the UK without proving they have the necessary skills. It’s essential that students demonstrate the right competencies to succeed, as entering a course without them can lead to distressing outcomes,” he remarked.
He also explained why smaller nations like Antigua and Barbados are exempt from these tests. While he did not provide specifics, Montgomery speculated that Nigeria’s larger population and higher volume of applicants necessitate stricter guidelines to manage the visa process.
