Deported Nigerian students to return to school in Regina
Two Nigerian students who were deported for violating terms of their student visas will return to study in Saskatchewan.
Kay Adebogun, who is the senior immigration counsel for the women, told CBC News the Canadian government has allowed them back into the country.
"I'm still of the opinion that they shouldn't have been sent back for that simple error. So that was why we needed to do whatever we can legally to make this day happen," said Adebogun.
Michelle Stewart, a justice studies professor at the University of Regina and an ongoing supporter of the students, also confirmed the two were en route to the city to continue attending university classes.
For a few weeks in 2011, Victoria Ordu and Favour Amadi worked at a Walmart in Regina. Both said they did not realize it was not permitted under the terms of their student visas.
Soon after, they received deportation orders from the federal government.
For more than a year, the women took refuge in four different city churches after learning they would be forced to leave the country.
On October 11, 2013, the two returned to Nigeria voluntarily in the hope that doing so would allow them to return to Canada later.
While the women took sanctuary, they received a lot of support from people in Saskatchewan. Rallies were held to raise support for them last summer.
Since then, the Canadian government has changed its policy and as of this month, international students with study permits are allowed to work off-campus.
At the time of their departure, University of Regina president, Vianne Timmons, met Ordu and Amadi at the airport and vowed to help the students come back.
Their story also drew the attention of Liberal MP Ralph Goodale, who took their case to the House of Commons last fall and said the women should be allowed to stay.
At the time, the federal ministers responsible did not concede, despite the outcry from the girls' supporters.
Ordu and Amadi are expected to arrive in Regina from Toronto at approximately 6 p.m. CST Saturday.
Adebogun told CBC News the girls' Nigerian government scholarships have also been reinstated.
They two will start classes at University of Regina the day after Canada Day, according to Adebogun.
"They're so happy to be back, and looking forward to starting their studies. And above all, very very grateful to everyone who helped them one way or the other to ensure they can come back," said Adebogun.
He is unsure where the girls plan to live or if they will pursue part-time work once they arrive.
A comment from Canadian Border Services Agency was not immediately available at the time of publication.
