UK to impose stricter rules on universities sponsoring international students
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The United Kingdom is introducing stricter regulations that could prevent universities from sponsoring international students, aiming to address alleged visa abuse and reduce asylum claims linked to study routes. The Home Office announced these reforms on Thursday, stating they are part of a broader effort to close immigration loopholes involving student visas. Universities that fail to enforce the new rules, which include achieving a visa refusal rate below 5%, an enrolment rate of at least 95%, and a course completion rate of at least 90%, could face a ban on recruiting international students. These measures will be implemented in phases, with a "traffic light" compliance rating system for universities set to begin in the summer of 2027. The government indicates these changes are designed to prevent individuals from using student visas under false pretenses and to decrease the number of international students who subsequently claim asylum. Home Office data from last month showed 10,835 people who entered the UK on study visas claimed asylum in the year ending March 2026. Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, affirmed the UK's welcome for genuine international students but emphasized the necessity of stronger safeguards to prevent the visa system from being used as a "backdoor to asylum and illegal working." Universities rated "red" under the new system will face recruitment restrictions and a 12-month improvement plan, with the risk of losing sponsorship rights
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Hoffenheim striker Gift Orban is reportedly close to joining newly promoted Turkish club Amedspor on a loan deal, according to German outlet Kicker. Orban recently returned to Hoffenheim after a loan spell at Italian club Hellas Verona, where he scored seven goals in the first half of the season but saw his form decline later. Verona chose not to make his move permanent, and Hoffenheim also does not have him in their plans for the upcoming season. Orban's time at Hoffenheim, after joining from Olympique Lyonnais for €9m in January 2025, also saw a strong start followed by a dip in performance. Hoffenheim received a €500,000 loan fee from Verona and is now set to receive an additional €1m loan fee from Amedspor for the 2026/27 campaign. The deal with Amedspor reportedly includes an obligation to buy, which would be triggered if Orban meets a specific appearance threshold, leading to a permanent transfer of approximately €4m to the Turkish Süper Lig club.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed surprise over Kelechi Iheanacho's decision to join Turkish club Bursaspor, stating he believed an agreement had been reached for the Nigerian striker to remain with the Scottish champions. Iheanacho, who had an impressive loan spell with Celtic, scoring nine goals and contributing to a domestic double, completed a free transfer to the Turkish second-tier club last week. O'Neill admitted he was taken aback, having been under the impression that Iheanacho had agreed to stay. Negotiations for an extended stay reportedly broke down after Iheanacho's representatives sought a significantly improved deal, believed to be close to £50,000 per week, compared to Celtic's offer of around £12,000 per week with bonuses up to £17,000. Iheanacho ultimately chose Bursaspor, a historic Turkish club, after they swiftly concluded negotiations and presented a long-term sporting project aimed at returning to the Turkish Super Lig.
The Lagos State Government has urged parents and caregivers to adopt positive parenting practices to address rising social issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse, bullying, and juvenile delinquency. Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, emphasized this during a parenting program in Lagos, highlighting that many social problems stem from poor family relationships. She stressed that the family is the primary institution where children learn values, attitudes, and character, and that intentional parenting is crucial for instilling discipline, empathy, respect, and emotional stability. Dada also expressed concern about technology's influence on youth, urging parents to monitor online activities and maintain open communication. Bose Ironsi, Executive Director of the Women’s Rights and Health Project, advocated for parenting built on trust, communication, and mutual respect, cautioning against harsh methods. Rianat Onigbanjo, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, reiterated that the family is a child's first classroom for learning values like love, discipline, and integrity. The program provided practical guidance and information on support services available through various government and non-governmental organizations.