Oyewumi Azeez Olawale navigates the congested traffic in Lagos, Nigeria's capital, on his way to a visa appointment.
A Nigerian medical student was frantically trying to leave Ukraine safely just a year ago, after the Russian bombing started on February 24.
Yet, as he had no other viable choices for further education, he later returned to Ukraine for another semester. He now desires a return trip.
The 28-year-old stated, "I am returning to Ukraine because I need to complete my last year, take my examinations, and receive my certificate."
He said, "In Nigeria, I have no alternatives."
Over a quarter of the more than 80,000 international students studying in Ukraine in 2020 came from Africa. As they search for a place to finish their studies, some are considering going back to Ukraine.
Mr. Olawale found the decision to be simple.
The Nigerian Medical and Dental Council (MCDN) announced in July 2022 that it would stop accepting online degrees from Ukrainian colleges. Two months later, the Medical Council of Ghana imitated it.
Mr. Olawale stated, "I needed to complete my degree in person."
He was lucky because the location of his school was far from the front lines.
Mr. Olawale is a senior at the National University in Uzhgorod, which is located in western Ukraine close to the Slovakian border and has largely been spared from the effects of the conflict.
According to Mr. Olawale, "My city is safe, and it's the greatest alternative for me."
Not everyone has been as fortunate.
Because of its simple immigration procedures, reasonable tuition rates, and high educational standards, Ukraine was a popular destination for individuals looking for affordable education in Europe.
Many students simply did not have the choice of going home broke after years of accumulating money for their degrees.
Yet it hasn't been simple for them to locate a new nation to continue their education.
One of those thinking about going back is Jessica Orakpo, the Nigerian medical student who experienced bigotry while attempting to leave Ukraine last year and whose story received extensive media coverage.
She first ran away to Hungary before relocating to the Netherlands, where she is currently staying with a host family.
If she doesn't find skilled employment, her temporary visa will expire in a month.
She earned her medical degree in 2022 and is now a licensed doctor, but she claims it has been difficult to get employment because she does not speak Dutch.
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