No fewer than 12,000 students are reportedly among Nigerians that are currently stranded following the ongoing crossfire between Russia and Ukraine.
The Nigerian government had earlier said it has arranged a special evacuation flight for Nigerians in Ukraine but could not say the exact number of its citizens living in the Eastern European country.
Russia Thursday invaded Ukraine and on Friday, Putin called on the Ukrainian army to overthrow the government of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Putin is particularly enraged by the prospect of NATO bases next to his borders and says Ukraine joining the US-led transatlantic alliance would mark the crossing of a red line.
The US, UK and some other countries have announced sanctions against Russia.
Many Nigerian students and some parents, businessmen and professionals in Ukraine have expressed worry over the fate of citizens living in the troubled country.
The Nigerian government, who claimed it has arranged a special evacuation flight for Nigerians in Ukraine, could not ascertain the exact number of its citizens living in the Eastern European country.
However, a statement issued on Thursday by the Country Representative of Ukrainian universities in Nigeria, Dr Cliff Ogbeide, said over 12,000 Nigerians are currently studying in Ukrainian universities.
A former Nigerian Ambassador to Ukraine, Jibrin Chinade during an interview with Trust TV also corroborated the figure given by Ogbeide.
“It is instructive to know that Ukraine, having robust diplomatic relations with Nigeria, is offering affordable university admission to Nigerian students with an estimated number hovering above 12,000 currently,” Ogbeide reportedly said.
The Nigerian government had earlier issued an advisory to its citizens in Ukraine, saying they are “responsible for their personal security and safety,” through astatement shared on Twitter by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
“The embassy urges Nigerian nationals resident in Ukraine to remain calm but be very vigilant and be responsible for their personal security and safety.”
“In case of students seeking such temporary relocation, they are enjoined to seek proper clearance and guarantee from their respective institutions, authorities/agents on the way forward in respect to their studies during this period and/or thereafter,” the embassy reportedly told students.
Meanwhile, Some Nigerian students in Ukraine said they felt abandoned by their country amid the escalating war between Russia and Ukraine, while others said they were living in fear.
