In a stern warning that has sparked widespread reaction online, the United States Mission in Nigeria has cautioned international students against violating the terms of their student visas, stressing that skipping classes, dropping out, or abandoning their academic programs could lead to immediate visa revocation and disqualification from future U.S. visa applications.
The warning was issued via a post on the Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday. It emphasized that international students must maintain their student status and comply fully with visa regulations to avoid severe consequences.
“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas. Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” the Mission stated.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing immigration crackdown under the administration of former President Donald Trump, which introduced tighter scrutiny of international students in a bid to balance national security with educational diplomacy.
Among the more controversial policies rolled out in recent years is the requirement for visa applicants to submit their social media handles—while also removing privacy settings—to allow for what U.S. authorities term “proper vetting.”
In addition, the U.S. government has proposed limiting the duration of student visas to between two and four years and eliminating the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT allows F-1 and M-1 visa holders to work temporarily in the U.S. in a field related to their study, typically for up to 12 months after graduation.
The move has drawn sharp criticism on Nigerian social media, with many users describing the tone of the message as “coercive” and “intimidating.”
Some Nigerians on X argued that the U.S. Embassy is shifting from its traditional role of facilitating travel and diplomacy to one of fear and control. Others pointed out that leaving a program or changing visa status isn’t automatically a violation—if done through proper legal channels.
The development has reignited debate over the treatment of African students in the U.S. and raised concerns about growing barriers to international education opportunities.
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