A Nigerian man has taken his former girlfriend to court after she allegedly refused to marry him despite sponsoring her university education, in a case that has generated widespread debate online.
According to details shared on social media by Obasi Nzubechi, the man claimed he met the woman shortly after she completed secondary school. He said he informed her parents of his intention to marry her, but they reportedly insisted she must first obtain a university degree.
The parents allegedly agreed to the marriage on the condition that he sponsor her education, which was expected to last about four years. The man accepted the arrangement and funded her studies.
However, after graduating, the woman reportedly declined his marriage proposal, stating she was not ready for marriage and later adding that she no longer had feelings for him.
When he approached her parents, they reportedly told him their daughter was an adult who could not be forced into marriage and advised him to move on.
The woman also reportedly rejected the idea of a refund of the money spent on her education, arguing that he acted voluntarily and that she did not compel him to sponsor her schooling.
In its ruling, the court held that while marriage cannot be forced, a clear promise, relied upon by one party to their detriment, may have legal consequences.
The judge ruled in favour of the man, stating that the woman’s refusal after benefiting from the arrangement caused financial and emotional loss.
The court consequently ordered the defendant to pay the plaintiff N15,000,000 in damages for the losses suffered.
