Media Talk Africa: Latest Headlines in Politics, Business, Sports, and More

The U.S. government has issued a stern warning to Nigerian students in the United States, emphasizing strict adherence to visa regulations to avoid severe penalties, including deportation and lifetime travel bans. During a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abuja on Friday, U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills highlighted stringent measures for non-compliance, such as revoking visas of students who abandon their academic programs or skip classes without formal notice.

Mills underscored the importance of transparency during visa applications, urging prospective travelers to provide precise details about their funding sources, study plans, and ties to Nigeria to demonstrate their intent to return home after completing their programs. “A visa isn’t a guaranteed entry ticket,” he clarified. “It requires understanding how to finance your stay and having compelling reasons to return to Nigeria.” He specifically cautioned against overstaying visas, noting violations could lead to deportation and permanent bans, adding that stricter enforcement aims to deter misconduct and uphold the integrity of exchange programs.

The ambassador stressed that student visa holders must remain enrolled in the courses listed in their applications. Deviating from approved programs or unexplained absences risk immediate visa cancellation. “Travel between our nations must be safe and lawful for both sides,” Mills stated, framing the rules as safeguards rather than restrictions.

In response, Minister Idris praised the U.S.-Nigeria partnership as pivotal to President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which prioritizes international cooperation for national development. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with American authorities to clarify visa policies and promote public awareness. “We will engage all partners to ensure Nigerians understand these regulations and the government’s efforts to foster mutual benefits,” Idris said.

The discussions reflect ongoing efforts to balance educational opportunities with immigration compliance, addressing concerns over visa misuse while strengthening diplomatic ties. With thousands of Nigerian students studying in the U.S.—contributing significantly to academic and cultural exchanges—the heightened focus on regulations underscores the shared priority of maintaining trust and reciprocity in cross-border mobility.