The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has confirmed that a group of its students stranded in China after completing a one-year academic exchange programme are on their way back to Nigeria following the institution’s intervention.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident drew public attention after an appeal circulated on X, claiming the students were unable to return home because their travel itinerary included a 27-hour layover in Qatar, exceeding the country’s visa-free transit limit.
Social media users also alleged that the travel complications resulted from arrangements made by a lecturer and a travel agent handling the trip, leaving the students stranded in Shanghai.
According to posts shared online, the university’s Vice-Chancellor intervened by providing financial support for the students’ immediate welfare while efforts were made to arrange their return to Nigeria.
Confirming the development on its official X account, UNILAG said the issue had been resolved and the students were safely on their way home.
“The situation has been swiftly resolved. The students have been well taken care of, and are now on their way back home. As we await their safe return, we appreciate everyone who brought this to our attention,” the university stated.
Following the update, the individual who initially raised the alarm on social media thanked the university for its prompt intervention but urged the institution to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The user also alleged that the lecturer involved threatened the affected students for speaking out about their ordeal.
UNILAG has not publicly responded to the allegations against the lecturer or indicated whether it has launched an internal investigation into the matter.
