Lightup Foundation Advocacy Work In Northern Cyprus

Lightup Foundation successfully advocated for 30,000 African students in Northern Cyprus. When Lightup was contacted by African youths residing in Northern Cyprus, the team moved to investigate the conditions faced by African students in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), where approximately 30,000 Africans reside.

This mission stemmed from a genuine desire to comprehend the peculiar problems encountered by the students, including their experiences with the government and educational institutions, with the aim of improving their lives and welfare; addressing issues such as poor health care, labour exploitation, rent extortion, social justice, language barrier problem and sexual assaults that had been reported.

Lightup’s initiatives led to tangible improvements in the lives of many students, providing them with a platform to voice their concerns and seek assistance. Its commitment to fostering a supportive community has been instrumental in creating a sense of belonging among African students, who often face isolation and discrimination in foreign countries.

Lightup also helped with damage control for the government of the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC). Before Lightup’s visit to North Cyprus, there had been negative publicity about TRNC – the country, the government and her people; and this had affected the nation negatively in terms of her international image. Out of concern, Lightup decided to investigate the truth.

Persistent calls to boycott Northern Cyprus universities

The Nigerian government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has advised Nigerians against studying in Northern Cyprus due to alleged human rights abuses and mysterious deaths among Nigerian students. NIDCOM Director Abike Dabiri-Erewa highlighted recurring cases where Nigerian students reportedly faced violence and discrimination, with little action from local authorities. For example, the unexplained death of Ibrahim Khaleel Bello, a Nigerian student, and the recent disappearance of Abdulsamad Abubakar have raised concerns, particularly due to Nigeria’s limited diplomatic access in the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Northern Cyprus, only recognized by Turkey, operates outside of international diplomatic frameworks, complicating efforts to assist foreign nationals. Despite these issues, Northern Cyprus attracts students from around the world with low tuition costs, scholarships, and English-language programs. However, challenges such as discrimination, inadequate housing, and lack of support persist. Prominent figures, including Nigerian author Chigozie Obioma, have documented the struggles of African students in Northern Cyprus, pointing to a pattern of disappointment and mistreatment due to misrepresentations by education agents.

During the visit to Northern Cyprus, the team conducted investigatory meetings with the Government, Universities, Prison, and African students, (especially Nigerian students, who had more challenges in Northern Cyprus and had the largest population from the African continent). This investigation revealed the truth behind the reports. It revealed the challenges of each stakeholder, i.e. the government, African students and the universities. It became apparent that every stakeholder had its culpability concerning the matter. This revelation was shared globally; serving as a major damage control for Northern Cyprus.

Persistent calls to boycott Northern Cyprus universities

It is well understood that no society is without its challenges, both for its citizens and migrants. In recognition of this, we decided to investigate the conditions faced by African students in Cyprus. This mission stems from a genuine desire to comprehend the issues they encounter, including their experiences with the government and educational institutions.

Lightup’s Media Advocacy against Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Money Transfer Policy Affecting Nigerian students in North Cyprus

Lightup’s Advocacy to Stop CBN Policy

Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus have raised concerns with the Nigerian government about the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monetary policies, which are making it difficult for them to access funds for living expenses, tuition, and rent. Due to CBN’s strict transfer policies, students often face delays, which leads to penalties and hinders their academic progress. Olasubomi Iginla-Aina, Director of GNEC and a Nigerian government liaison for diaspora affairs, confirmed these issues during a recent visit to the region, where she found that over 12,000 Nigerian students face difficulties with CBN’s “form A” money transfer process. Iginla-Aina appealed to the government to address these financial barriers and improve diplomatic relations with Northern Cyprus to enhance student welfare.

Displacement of Zamfara Students Within Northern Cyprus

92 students on scholarship from Zamfara State, Nigeria were going to be expelled from Cyprus International University (CIU) because their state government defaulted in the contract signed with the school authority. Lightup collaborated with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to advocate on behalf of the students. They had a mass media publicity to call the attention of the Zamfara State government to the pending matter. After so much pressure, the government began to remit payments to CIU. Some of the students recently graduated from CIU in 2024.

Advocacy to Prevent the Displacement of Nigerian Students In Northern Cyprus

Advocacy to Prevent the Displacement of African Youths in Cyprus

Advocacy to Prevent the Displacement of African Youths in Northern Cyprus

Advocacy for Zamfara students in North Cyprus

Worried by the plight of Nigerian students on government scholarship studying abroad, especially in Northern Cyprus, Minister of Youth, State of African Diaspora (SOAD), Olasubomi Iginla-Aina, has urged government to sustain education scholarship agreement entered with several institutions in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.