Ukraine-Russia War impact on international students in Ukraine

There is no positive benefit to wars no matter the legitimate reasons for fighting and at this time when tensions are high, the Ukraine-Russia War and its impact on international students in Ukraine need to be examined critically.

Attacks on kindergartens and schools have been a sad reality for children in eastern Ukraine over the last eight years, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, said on Friday. Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 750 schools have been damaged.

Ukraine is one of the preferred destinations for university education for many students especially those from Africa and Asia. The quality education offered by Ukrainian universities, the globally recognized courses by (WHO, UNESCO, EUROPEAN COUNCIL) and the cost-effectiveness of the programs attract many students to study in Ukraine. For other students, the Worldwide acceptance of the Ukrainian method of teaching, better job prospects, and the emphasis on Practical Aspects in teaching makes Ukraine even more attractive.

Ukraine-Russia War’s impact on international students in Ukraine is huge and nations are worried. The volatility in the region and the long-standing tension between Ukraine and Russia has escalated beyond the usual and has become a great concern for international students studying in Ukraine in the last 72 hours.

Ukraine can boast to 240 universities which draw international students from more than 150 countries every year. Thousands of foreign students are caught up in the crisis in Ukraine, where Russia sent invading forces early Thursday. The country had more than 76,500 international students as of 2020, Nigeria’s Premium Times website reported, citing data from Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Sciences.

The African countries with the most students in Ukraine are Morocco (8,000), Nigeria (4,000), and Egypt (3,500). These estimated students population as of 2020 have to be airlifted home soon due to the war that threatens lives.

Nearly every country around the world is concerned about the Ukraine war since their citizens and the youth who receive higher education are caught up in the conflict.

Countries are putting measures in place to evacuate their students studying in Ukraine and other citizens within the subregion before things become even worse. With the outbreak of war, concerns are growing about the safety of international students, and countries such as Ghana are planning to evacuate their nationals soon. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also to  “facilitate the evacuation of those who wish to leave” as soon as airports re-opened, the told the BBC.