The Turkish Embassy has refuted claims that it was willfully refusing to issue visas to Nigerian students.

This was contained in a statement dated January 18, 2023 and signed by Hidayet Bayraktar, the embassy stated that a recent report raising alarm over alleged denial of visa to Nigerian students was devoid of any reality or foundation.

The statement read: “We would like to remind you that, in any circumstances, visa applications are treated on their merits and not on political basis, and decisions are taken on objective grounds.

“In order not to go into details, there are certain conditions that are expected to be fulfilled by the applicants for the issuance of Turkish entry visa. For example, if there is any fraud detected in any of the required documents submitted; such as forged acceptance letter, bank account statement/declaration or if the applicant with an obtained prior visa has already stayed over 90 days during the current 180-day period on the territory of Turkey, visa application shall be denied immediately.

“Turkey and Nigeria relations are based on a long-standing friendship and history. We see Nigerian students who are planning, presently studying or have graduated in Turkiye, as a bridge of culture and friendshipbetween our countries and an asset to our bilateral relations. They are the honorary Ambassadors of Turkiye to Nigeria.”