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Japa: New UK Gov’t Confirms Opportunities For International Students

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2024

Editor

The United Kingdom has pledged to make its educational system more accessible to international students.

The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, gave the assurance at the Embassy Education conference on Tuesday.

Phillipson emphasised the UK’s commitment to fostering global educational partnerships. “I want to refresh old partnerships and grow new ones, not just at home but around the world too. By joining forces in education, we can build new bridges between our nations.”

Addressing the inconsistent policies of previous governments towards international students, Phillipson highlighted a history of mixed messaging and exploitation for political gain.

She criticised the former government’s approach, noting that international students were often treated as “political footballs” rather than valued guests.

She pointed out that while their tuition fees were welcomed, their presence was resented.

LEADERSHIP reports that in what is now commonly known as the ‘Japa Syndrome’ in Nigeria, skilled Nigerians and education seekers were leaving the country for Europe and other developed countries in search of greener pastures.

Phillipson however assured that the current government would take a different and more supportive approach towards international students.

She also emphasised that international students are welcome in the UK and that the new government values their contributions to universities, communities, and the country.

Phillipson expressed a desire for Britain to welcome those who come to study and meet the requirements, highlighting a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for international students.

While highlighting the importance of international partnerships in spreading opportunity, she said, “Our international partnerships are central to this drive to spread opportunity far and wide. The more we work together, the more progress we will see in the world – partners in the push for better.”

Phillipson commended the bravery of international students, acknowledging their significant courage in moving to a new culture far from their homes and families.

She highlighted their willingness to take a leap of faith to develop new skills and chase new opportunities. Expressing pride in the UK’s appeal to these students, Phillipson stated that she is enormously proud that so many choose to come to the UK.

She assured that the government would do everything possible to support their success and help them achieve their goals.

The Secretary of State for Education further emphasised the post-study opportunities available to international students in the UK, noting the government’s commitment to supporting their transition into the workforce.

She mentioned that international students can remain in the UK on a graduate visa for two years after completing their studies or three years for PhD graduates, allowing them to work, live, and contribute to the community.

She concluded by acknowledging the significant impact of international students on the UK.

“The UK wouldn’t be the same without them. Arts, music, culture, sport, food, language, humour – international students drive dynamism on so many levels. And of course, their contribution to the British economy is substantial.

“Each international student adds about £100,000 to our national prosperity. This impact is not just a national statistic. It’s felt in towns and cities right across the country,” Phillipson said.

Headline

Oil Prices Drop After Iran Reopens Strait Of Hormuz

Published

5 days ago

April 17, 2026

Editor

Global oil prices dropped sharply on Friday after Iran signalled that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to commercial shipping during a temporary ceasefire in the Middle East.

Benchmark crude prices fell by more than 10 per cent, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) slipping below $85 per barrel, while Brent crude declined to about $89 per barrel.

The decline follows comments by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, who said commercial vessels would be allowed to transit the strait for the duration of a 10-day ceasefire involving Israel and Lebanon.

The truce, which began on Thursday, is reported to include the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

Oil prices had surged above $100 per barrel in recent weeks amid heightened tensions in the region, with WTI reaching nearly $113 per barrel earlier this month and Brent climbing above $119 in late March.

Analysts say the reopening of the key shipping route has eased supply concerns in global energy markets.

Brian Therien, a senior investment strategist at Edward Jones, noted that oil futures are now trending lower, with projections suggesting prices could fall to the low $70 range by the end of the year. He added that a sustained drop in prices could help reduce inflationary pressures globally.

The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, accounting for roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Shipping through the passage had been disrupted during the conflict due to security concerns, including threats of attacks and the presence of naval mines.

An Iranian official told Reuters that vessels moving through the strait during the ceasefire would be required to use designated safe lanes approved by Iranian authorities, while military ships would not be permitted to pass.

Despite the announcement, some shipping firms remain cautious. German carrier Hapag-Lloyd said it is still reviewing the situation before resuming operations in the area.

Meanwhile, Knut Arild Hareide of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association welcomed the development but warned that uncertainties remain, particularly regarding maritime safety, operational guidelines, and the potential risks posed by unexploded sea mines.

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You Can’t Go To US With Good Feelings Since Trump Returned To Power – Sports Legend

Published

5 days ago

April 17, 2026

Editor

Germany legend, Oliver Kahn, has insisted that one cannot go to the United States with ‘good feelings’ since President Donald Trump returned to the Presidency.

Kahn stated this while speaking to Sky Sport Germany about the upcoming World Cup, which is to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.

According to the former Bayern Munich goalkeeper, there are so many things happening in the US at the moment that are no longer compatible with ‘values’.

“There are simply so many things happening in the USA right now that are no longer compatible with our understanding of values,” Kahn said.

“One example was the war, but I don’t want to list everything Donald Trump has been doing there since he returned to the presidency.

“You can’t go there with a good feeling at the moment.”

Headline

Trump Bows To Pressure, Deletes Post Depicting Self As Jesus

Published

1 week ago

April 13, 2026

Editor

United States President, Donald Trump, has deleted a social media post that appeared to portray him as Jesus, following backlash and rising tensions with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.

The image, shared on Truth Social late Sunday, showed Trump as a Christ-like figure healing the sick, surrounded by American flags and eagles.

The post came shortly after the president criticised the pope for opposing the war with Iran.

By Monday morning, the image had been removed from his account. A previous link to the post now leads to a notice stating the “content is no longer available.”

Speaking later at the White House, Trump denied the interpretation of the image and said he believed it depicted him differently.

“I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor, and had to do with the Red Cross,” he told reporters at the White House.

He dismissed claims that the image portrayed him as Jesus, blaming the media for the narrative.

“Only the fake news” could come up with the idea that it depicted him as Jesus.

“I just heard about it, and I said, ‘How did they come up with that?’ It’s supposed to be me as a doctor making people better. And I do make people better,” he said.

The development comes amid an ongoing public disagreement between Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.

The pope said Monday he has “no fear of the Trump administration” and would continue to speak out, despite criticism from the president, who described his stance as “terrible for foreign policy.”

Leo, the first American pope, has intensified his criticism of the war in recent days, condemning Trump’s remarks about the Iranian people as “truly unacceptable.”

(CNN)