§ 114. Mr. C. Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many students from Nigeria are at present studying at universities and medical schools in the United Kingdom; how many of these were candidates on the priority list sent over here from Nigeria; why only two out of eight on the priority list of Nigerian medical students for 1946 could be found places by his Department; and what steps he is taking to ensure that more places are allotted in this country to colonial students in future years.
Mr. Creech JonesThe number of students from Nigeria at present studying in Universities and medical schools in the United Kingdom is 381. Except in the case of medical schools, where the pressure is greatest, the Nigerian Government do not send over priority lists. Of the elevent students from Nigeria who were placed in medical schools in 1946, three 219W figured high in the 'priority list for that year and the remainder had been recommended in previous years but could not be placed for various reasons. The situation in all institutions for higher education will be as difficult as it was in 1946–47, owing to the claims of ex-Service students. Every effort is being made by letter and personal contact with the University and other authorities to persuade them to allot as many places as possible to students from the Colonies; and I should like to pay public tribute to the help they have given to the Colonial Office despite their own difficulties.