Russia Denies Forcing Nigerian Students Into Fighting For Visa Extensions

Russian authorities have denied allegations of coercing African students, particularly Nigerians, to fight in the ongoing war with Ukraine in exchange for visa extensions.

A report had earlier circulated on social media that the Russian government headed by Vladimir Putin, was forced to the front of African students who wanted their visas extended.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Russian Embassy in Nigeria labelled the report as fake news and entirely unfounded.

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It said that the report could potentially damage the educational cooperation between both countries.

It also stated that no association of Nigerian students in Russia has sent in any report confirming the claim.

The statement reads: “The Embassy of the Russian Federation is compelled to emphasize that such news is not only false but also damages Russian-Nigerian educational cooperation by misleading numerous scholarship and grant applicants as well as their partners, who could be extremely concerned by such fakes.

“The Embassy states that Nigerian students face no difficulties in extending their visas while continuing their studies in Russia. Numerous associations of Nigerian students in Russia have not reported any issues in obtaining the necessary documentation to continue their stay in the country.

“The Embassy welcomes the official press release of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter and expresses gratitude to the Ministry and the Association of Nigerian Students in Moscow for their efforts in debunking the fake news aimed at undermining the friendship and cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.”