London Mayor Sadiq Khan has openly criticized the British government’s recent approach to foreign students, calling it a policy blunder that could harm both the United Kingdom’s education sector and its long-term international partnerships. Speaking during a historic trade visit to Nigeria, Khan addressed key issues relating to education, trade, innovation, and migration in a wide-ranging interview with the BBC.
Khan, who is currently on a multi-city trade mission across Africa, emphasized that restricting international student admissions is a misstep, especially at a time when countries like the United States are tightening their immigration and university admission policies. He argued that this moment presents an opportunity for London and the UK to position themselves as global leaders in education, welcoming the best and brightest from around the world.
“I think that the British government has made a mistake in relation to its policies around higher education and foreign students,” Khan said. “Particularly at a time when President Trump is clamping down on universities like Harvard and Columbia, not welcoming foreign students to America, that’s an opportunity for the great universities in London.”
According to Khan, London is home to more than 50 top universities and currently hosts the largest number of international students of any city globally. He explained that these students contribute more than just tuition fees; they foster research collaborations, technological innovation, and cultural exchange. Importantly, they form lifelong friendships that bolster diplomatic and trade relationships in the future.
Khan’s comments are significant for Nigerian students, who form one of the largest international student populations in the UK. For years, Nigerian students have sought UK education as a gateway to career advancement, global exposure, and innovation. However, recent changes in immigration policies, particularly the restriction of post-study work visas for dependents, have raised concerns among students and stakeholders in Nigeria.
During the interview, Khan outlined the objectives of his trade mission to Nigeria and other African countries. He noted that the visit is designed to build equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly between the tech hubs of London and Lagos. “Lagos is the number one tech city in Africa, and London is the number one tech city in Europe. There are great synergies between our two cities,” he said.
The London Mayor added that he is not visiting Africa as a patron, but as a partner. He stressed the importance of business-to-business relationships, joint investments, and skills exchange, especially in areas like financial technology, green innovation, and digital entrepreneurship. “We want Londoners to come here and have B2B relations to build those relationships, yes, to sell, but also to buy. It’s a partnership of equals,” he said.
Khan acknowledged the rich Nigerian diaspora in London, including successful businesspeople, tech innovators, and academics. He believes this diaspora community will play a critical role in fostering closer ties between the UK and Nigeria, creating opportunities for shared prosperity, wealth creation, and job opportunities in both nations.
When asked about the UK’s current migration policies and how they might affect his vision for a collaborative global tech economy, Khan admitted there is a delicate balance to maintain. He recognized the need for controlled migration but argued that talent mobility should not be stifled. “In a vibrant, flourishing democracy, you’ve got to control your borders, know who’s coming in, know who’s going out, but also make sure there is controlled migration not uncontrolled immigration,” he explained.
Despite his alignment with the need for migration control, Khan reiterated his belief that the UK government is wrongly restricting educational migration, especially given the country’s skills gap in critical sectors. “We’ve got a situation where there are large numbers of underemployed and unemployed people, yes, but there’s also a serious need for global talent,” he said. “I support encouraging talent to come to London and indeed the UK.”
Khan highlighted the role of international students in bridging the UK’s skills deficit in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). He warned that shutting the door on foreign students could jeopardize economic growth, innovation, and research development. For Nigeria and other African nations, this policy shift means fewer educational and research exchange opportunities, which could also stifle collaborative growth.
Throughout the conversation, the London Mayor maintained that his administration seeks to foster a collaborative global education ecosystem, not just for economic gain, but for cultural and academic enrichment. He encouraged African business leaders and innovators to consider London as their first choice for international expansion, research collaboration, and startup growth.
Khan also expressed optimism about the enhanced trade agreement between the UK and Nigeria, describing it as a partnership designed for long-term prosperity, innovation, and job creation. He praised the tech boom in Lagos, describing it as the fastest-growing tech cluster in the world and noting the presence of Unicorn’s startups valued at over $1 billion within the Nigerian tech ecosystem.
For Nigerian students, entrepreneurs, and academics, Khan’s visit underscores the need to keep global partnerships alive despite policy shifts. His remarks are a call to action for the UK government to rethink restrictive educational policies and ensure that London remains a welcoming hub for international talent.
