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 now on their way back to Nigeria following the institution’s intervention.

 

The issue gained public attention after an appeal circulated on X, alleging that the students were unable to return home because of travel arrangements that included a 27-hour layover in Qatar, exceeding the country’s permitted transit period without a visa.

 

Social media users also alleged that the travel complications stemmed from decisions 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 stepped in by providing financial support for the students’ immediate welfare while efforts were made to secure their return journey.

 

Confirming the development on its official X account, UNILAG said the students had been well taken care of and were already travelling back to Nigeria.

 

“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 first raised the alarm thanked the university for its swift response but called for an investigation into the circumstances that led to the incident. The user also alleged that the lecturer involved had threatened the affected students for speaking out.

 

UNILAG has yet to publicly respond to the allegations against the lecturer or announce whether an internal investigation has been launched.