Morning recap: UK varsities withdraw admission offers to Nigerians, why Peter Obi won’t win a ward in Anambra, other top stories

In recent news, several UK universities have decided to withdraw admission offers to Nigerian and Pakistani students due to tighter student visa regulations and concerns over visa refusals. This has resulted in a significant drop in international student recruitment, with 22.7% of UK study visa applications from Nigerians being withdrawn in the first half of 2026, compared to only 4.5% during the same period in 2025.

The universities are worried about the impact of rising visa refusals on their ability to attract international students.

On the political front, the Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Anambra, David Chukwudifu, has expressed concerns that Peter Obi might struggle to win an electoral ward in the state. Chukwudifu alleges that there is a rift between Obi's supporters and the party's existing leadership, which has weakened the party's grassroots structure. He believes that resolving this division is crucial for the NDC to compete effectively in Anambra.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also released the final candidates' list for the 2027 general elections. However, the list has sparked political disputes as prominent opposition figures like former Minister Isa Pantami and Ogun State PDP governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu are reportedly missing from the list. These omissions have raised concerns about candidate nominations, party primaries, and compliance with electoral laws.