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By John Ogunsemore
The Comrade Olushola Oladoja-led National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has cautioned against truncating the dreams of thousands of young Nigerians with narrow immigration policies.
The association stated this while strongly condemning the recent policy action by the United States Government, which seeks to shorten the visa validation period for international students, including Nigerians, under the guise of a “visa duration standardisation framework.”
According to reports from the US Department of Homeland Security, this revised regulation proposes limiting student visa stays to a fixed period—typically 2 to 4 years—after which visa holders must reapply for an extension, regardless of their academic progress or program duration.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Administration & Planning, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, NANS described the new policy as unacceptable and unfair to all Nigerian students across the globe.
The statement reads, “NANS views this policy as not only insensitive but also systemically discriminatory.
“Nigeria, being one of the largest contributors of international students to US institutions, finds this decision particularly disturbing.
“This is an affront to educational mobility, global academic collaboration, and the dignity of Nigerian students. Many of our members studying in the US have already expressed growing anxiety over this abrupt shift, which jeopardises their academic timelines and legal stability.”
NANS warned of grace consequences as direct implications for Nigerian students, including academic disruption, Emotional and financial stress, and discrimination against African nations.
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NANS described the policy as racial profiling and an indirect suppression of African academic prospects and demanded its immediate review.
“The National leadership urges the United States Government, through its Embassy and the Department of State, to reconsider this policy with fairness and global educational equity in mind.
“The pursuit of education should not be hindered by policies rooted in suspicion, restriction, or bias.
“NANS is engaging with international student bodies and civil society groups to mount collective resistance and advocacy.
“We are also calling on the Nigerian Government to diplomatically engage the US authorities and safeguard the interests of our students abroad,” the statement further reads.
NANS advised all Nigerian students in the United States to remain calm but vigilant.
The national student body urged the students to keep records updated, comply with visa rules strictly, and reach out to student support bodies and legal aid if needed.
“NANS is setting up a Students Help Desk to monitor developments and support affected students with legal and immigration guidance,” the body stressed.
