**The Bitter Taste of Visa Rejection: A Cautionary Tale for Nigerian Students** For many Nigerians, the dream of studying abroad is a beacon of hope for a brighter future. However, the harsh realities of the visa application process can be a crushing blow. A recent incident highlights the pitfalls of relying on foreign institutions for higher education. A Nigerian man's tale of woe has gone viral on TikTok, sparking a heated debate about the implications of visa denial. The story revolves around an intending student who applied to a prestigious university in the United Kingdom, paid a hefty deposit of £4,000, and even received an unconditional offer and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). However, his visa application was rejected, leaving him in a precarious financial situation. The man's ordeal is a stark reminder of the risks involved in pursuing higher education abroad. For many Nigerians, the dream of studying abroad often comes with a hefty price tag, including the sacrifice of valuable assets such as land and property. In this case, the intending student had sold his land and property to finance his education, only to have his visa denied and his deposit refused. The reactions from netizens have been a mix of empathy and caution. Some have advised the man to defer his admission to the next intake, while others have shared their own experiences of visa denial and the subsequent financial losses. The incident has also sparked a broader conversation about the exploitation of Nigerian students by foreign institutions. The refusal to refund the deposit is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed. As one commenter pointed out, it is a common policy among UK universities to withhold deposits from applicants who fail the UKVI credibility interview. This raises questions about the fairness of the system and the need for greater transparency. As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the visa application process is a high-stakes game that requires careful consideration and planning. For Nigerian students, the dream of studying abroad must be tempered with a dose of realism and caution.