U.S warns Nigerian students against skipping classes

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has warned that Nigerian students in the U.S. who skip classes or abandon their programmes without notifying school authorities risk having their visas revoked.

Mills issued the warning during a visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Friday in Abuja.

He stressed that student visa holders must strictly adhere to the terms of their visas, warning that overstaying or violating visa conditions could lead to deportation and a lifetime travel ban to the U.S.

“Student visa holders should remain in the programme that underpins their visas. If you skip classes or leave your programme of study without informing your school, your visa could be revoked,” Mills said.

The envoy also advised applicants to be truthful about the purpose of their travel, their funding plans, and their ties to Nigeria, emphasising that a visa is not a guarantee of entry but a commitment to comply with U.S. laws.

Mills said the U.S. aims to maintain safe and secure travel between the two nations while ensuring that those who break the law face sanctions.

In his remarks, Idris welcomed the partnership with the U.S., describing it as a boost to President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. He pledged continued collaboration with international partners to help Nigerians understand new regulations, including updated visa rules.