By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Donald Trump-led administration on Thursday revoked Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students including Nigerians.
According to CNN, the dramatic move intensifies a growing clash between the federal government and the Ivy League institution over compliance with immigration demands.
“Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the US Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.
The action follows a directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who ordered the termination of Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification.
The department had previously demanded that Harvard submit detailed records of international students’ “illegal and violent activities” by 30 April or risk the loss of its certification.
The impact is expected to be widespread, particularly among Harvard’s international community, which the university reports includes 9,970 individuals.
Current enrolment figures show that 6,793 international students make up 27.2% of the student body for the 2024–25 academic year.
Harvard condemned the government’s decision as “unlawful” in a statement issued on Thursday, asserting its commitment to protecting its international community.
“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” university spokesperson Jason Newton said.