The enrolment of Nigerian students in higher institutions in the United States reached 20,029 for the 2023/2024 academic year, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.
The report, released on Monday by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Institute of International Education, revealed a 13.5 per cent increase in Nigerian student enrolment compared to the previous year.
This milestone cements Nigeria’s position as the leading African source of international students and the seventh largest globally.
Overall, US colleges and universities hosted a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students this year, marking an all-time high for international enrolment.
The report coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, a benchmark for tracking international educational exchange.
The US Consulate in Nigeria commended the contributions of Nigerian students to American institutions.
“Nigerian students bring a wealth of diversity, perspectives, and academic excellence to U.S. universities, enriching the educational experience for all students,” it said.
It added that over 55 per cent of Nigerian students in the U.S. are pursuing graduate-level studies, reflecting their strong academic backgrounds and commitment to higher education.
“This rise highlights the importance of people-to-people connections that deepen understanding and strengthen bonds between Nigeria and the United States,” the consulate stated.
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