“They hide behind student visas and fake marriages to get into UK” – Nigeria man ‘sell out’ Africans to BBC
Emdee Tiamiyu, a YouTuber and immigration influencer, has brought attention to the fact that many Africans, particularly Nigerians, use student visas as a means to enter the United Kingdom.
He explains that due to the difficulty of obtaining a visa through conventional channels, the student route is often seen as a more accessible option.
Tiamiyu believes that the desire to leave Nigeria is driven by the desire for alternatives away from corruption and poor governance.
He offers guidance on navigating immigration processes and suggests that for most individuals, the education system provides a legal and widely accessible pathway.
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Tiamiyu acknowledges that while many people genuinely intend to study, there is a growing minority who exploit the system.
These individuals view the student visa as a means to secure a fresh start in the UK, even if they are not genuinely interested in pursuing a degree.
Nigerians😭😭😭. What the actual fuck!!! Blood of Jesus! pic.twitter.com/wkgoRQq8h1
— PENNE CREAM PASTA🥰 (@TomieLagos) May 23, 2023
The potential to extend their stay through graduate visas or skilled worker visas if they find suitable employment makes it an appealing option for them.
Although working on a student visa is limited to 20 hours per week, Tiamiyu points out that family visas can make it financially viable as spouses can work full-time.
He also mentions instances where marriages are not genuine and are formed solely for the purpose of gaining entry into the UK.
Tiamiyu emphasizes that Nigerian students must possess genuine skills and expertise to compete in the UK job market and secure long-term visas.
I'm deeply sorry – YouTuber, Emdee Tiamiyu apologizes to Nigerians pic.twitter.com/upUOOi6SbU
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) May 24, 2023
He highlights the case of Nigerians in Telford, who are primarily drawn to the area due to the University of Wolverhampton campus.
For some Nigerian students, pursuing a UK education is closely tied to the economic opportunities it presents.
The potential for better salaries and improved lives motivates individuals like Rotimi Lawal, who is investing in a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Lawal sees his studies as a gateway to potential employment in the UK.
Restrictions on international master’s students bringing dependents may negatively impact their studies, according to the university.
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Tiamiyu warns that students who neglect their studies risk undermining UK colleges. He suggests that if individuals are unable to secure visas for their families, they may reconsider the cost of a UK education.
However, Tiamiyu emphasizes the importance of encouraging legal immigration channels due to the desperation of individuals seeking alternatives.
On his YouTube channel, Tiamiyu has interviewed young Nigerians, and he claims that many of them expressed a willingness to take the risky “japa route” to a foreign country.
Despite potential challenges, he predicts that individuals will still pursue opportunities abroad, especially if they have a strong desire to obtain prestigious degrees from institutions like Oxford.
