The detention of six students of Oriental Studies at the University of Warsaw (UW) and their guardians – a lecturer from the same university – in Nigeria generated broad interest and reactions from both university authorities and Polish consular services. The Rector of the University of Warsaw, Alojzy Nowak, is in constant contact with all liable services, as the university's press secretary, Anna Modzelewska, forwarded to PAP.
Background
The students' departure to Nigeria was organised by the UW Orientalist Department. The group left for Africa on 1 August, and return to Poland was planned for early September. Unfortunately, these plans were disrupted by unexpected events.
Action taken by the University of Warsaw
Rector of the University of Warsaw, Alojzy Nowak, immediately after receiving information about the detention of students, ordered extended efforts to clarify the case, release students and support their families. Anna Modzelewska stressed that the university Chancellor, Robert Grey, on behalf of the Rector, had contacted the Ministry of abroad Affairs and Polish consular services.
"On behalf of the Rector, University Chancellor Robert Grey contacted the Ministry of abroad Affairs and Polish Consular Services. Information on the whereabouts and charges directed at students is collected," Modzelewska said.
Conditions of detention
It was established that the departure of students outside the night-time accommodation was considered by the local police to be a violation of local law. The Orientalist Department authorities, where they survey detainees, are actively active in helping students.
"It has been established that their night-time exits were considered by local police to be a violation of local law. The authorities of the Orientalist Department are active in helping students," Modzelewska added.
International reactions
According to information provided by Reuters, detention of students occurred during anti-government demonstrations in the state of Kano in the north of Nigeria. Nigeria safety Force spokesperson confirmed this information. The deputy head of the MFA Andrzej Szejna in an interview with PAP pointed out that the students were in the incorrect place at the incorrect time, carrying no flags, but only taking pictures, which was misinterpreted by local authorities.
"On the arrest by Nigerian authorities of 7 Poles during anti-government demonstrations held in the last days in the state of Kano in the north of the country, Reuters reported on Wednesday for a spokesperson for safety forces," Reuters informs.
Consular activities
Polish consular services work intensively to release detained students. The Polish Consul in Nigeria, Stanisław Gulinski, took part in a gathering with the Nigerian abroad Minister, during which the situation of detainees was discussed. The Consul confirmed that the students had been transferred to the capital of Nigeria, Abuja.
"Before Wednesday, Reuters cited the message of Polish consul in Nigeria Stanislaw Gulinski, who attended a gathering of Nigerian abroad minister with abroad diplomats in the capital of the country, Abuja” said Reuters.
Summary
Rector of the University of Warsaw, Alojzy Nowak, stressed that the release of students is simply a precedence of the university and that all activities are influenced by the immediate resolution of this situation. The university authorities stay in constant contact with the student families, informing them of all findings.
"Freeing UW students is simply a precedence for us. We must do everything in our power to make this happen as shortly as possible," wrote the Rector of the University of Alojzy Nowak in a message sent to the media.
Conclusion
The detention of Polish students in Nigeria is now a precedence for both the authorities of the University of Warsaw and the Polish consular services. The intensive efforts to release them are carried out on many fronts, and the engagement of all liable parties gives hope for a swift solution to this hard situation.
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W Nigeria was detained a group of students from the University of Warsaw
