The administration led by Donald Trump revoked on Thursday the capacity of Harvard University to register international students, including Nigerians.
According to CNN, the dramatic movement intensifies a growing clash between the federal government and the Ivy League institution on the fulfillment of immigration demands.
“Harvard can no longer register foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” said the United States National Security Department in a statement.
The action follows a directive of the Secretary of National Security Kristi Noem, who ordered the termination of the Harvard Student and Exchanges Visitors Program.
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The department had previously demanded that Harvard submit detailed records of the “illegal and violent activities” of international students before April 30 or risk the loss of their certification.
The impact is expected to be generalized, particularly among the Harvard International Community, that university reports include 9,970 people.
The current registration figures show that 6,793 international students represent 27.2% of the student body for academic year 2024–25.
Harvard condemned the government's decision as “illegal” in a statement issued on Thursday, affirming his commitment to protect his international community.
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to the members of our community. This reprisal action threatens serious damage to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard's academic and research mission,” said University spokesman Jason Newton.
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