The official newspaper of Leeds University
University Refuses to Waive Fees Following Fundin ng Scandal
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@_TheGryphon Issue 5 02/11/17
Leeds Launches Bid for Capital of Culture The city is hoping to win the title for 2023. Page 5
Catalan Crisis Analysed We look at the chaotic situation in Catalan, and talk to some of those affected. Page 14
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Image: Telegraph
Students allegedly told they will not receive degree classifications, despite completing their degree courses Jonny Chard News Editor Some of Nigeria’s brightest undergraduate students in the United Kingdom have had their funding withdrawn by the Nigerian government without their knowledge, leaving many facing deportation. The Nigerian High Commission confirmed that 152 students had been affected by the scandal, and stated that the bursary scheme had folded as a result of a slump in national oil revenues. A number of students, including those at Leeds, Sussex and Essex, have allegedly been told that they will
not receive their degree certification, even though many have completed their courses in the last academic year. Some have also been told that they may face deportation. The universities of Sunderland and Swansea have allowed affected students to graduate, leading to accusations from Conservative MP Robert Halfon that some institutions are attempting to use the debt like a “ransom”. Halfon has called for the government to consider new safeguards for students, such as the introduction of compulsory insurance agreements, and has stated that the government should intervene to help those with no
financial support. “Whilst some universities have done the right thing, it appears outrageous and unacceptable from those who won’t help these students in complete distress, and are holding a loan over the heads like a ransom,” said Halfon. “Universities should be using their bursaries and other funds to support these students, and I hope that the government will be able to step in to find a solution,” he added. One University of Leeds student who has been affected is Ogbonnaya Samuel Ogbonna, a BSc Medical Sciences undergraduate, who was due to begin his third year, this year. Story continued on Page 6.
With the issue prominent in the news at the moment, Business take a look at sexual harassment in the workplace. Page 17
Brits Abroad Sport speak to Englishman Ryan Williams about his career in Canada with Ottawa Fury. Page 20