Nearly 50,000 international students, including Nigerians, have been reported as no-shows at Canadian colleges and universities despite holding valid study permits, Immigration News Canada revealed on Thursday.
The report identified Nigerians as the third-largest group among the absentees, following Indian and Chinese nationals, who occupied the first and second spots, respectively. This figure accounts for 6.9% of all foreign students tracked by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
“Close to 50,000 international students who were issued study permits to pursue higher education in Canada were reported as ‘no-shows’ by the colleges and universities where they were supposed to be enrolled,” the report stated.
This trend has triggered a nationwide debate about the efficacy of Canada’s international student compliance system. Analysts and stakeholders are raising questions about whether current policies are sufficient to monitor and ensure student attendance.
While the reasons for these absences remain unclear, some experts suggest that challenges like visa delays, financial constraints, or shifting personal circumstances may be contributing factors. The growing scale of absenteeism underscores the need for stronger oversight and a reevaluation of Canada’s approach to managing its booming international student population.