Nigeria has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading contributors to the international student population in the United States, ranking seventh globally and first in Africa, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.
Released during the ongoing International Education Week, the report reveals that for the 2023/2024 academic year, a total of 20,029 Nigerian students enrolled in US colleges and universities.
This represents a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing demand for higher education opportunities in the United States among Nigerian students.
The US Embassy, which shared the report in a statement on Tuesday, emphasized that this marks a continued upward trajectory for Nigerian students, who are known for their academic excellence and strong dedication to their studies.
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More than half of the Nigerian students in the US, specifically 55 percent, are enrolled in graduate-level programs, further contributing to the academic and cultural richness of American universities.
“The report reveals that US colleges and universities host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students this year, marking an all-time high for international enrollment,” the statement noted, adding that Nigeria’s contribution continues to grow, reinforcing its position as the top African country for sending students to the US.
The increase in Nigerian student enrollment is part of a larger trend, with Sub-Saharan Africa emerging as the fastest-growing region for international education.
The region saw a 13 percent rise in student mobility in 2023/2024, following an 18 percent surge in the previous academic year.
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This steady rise in Nigerian student numbers underscores the strong educational ties between the US and Nigeria, with cultural exchanges fostering deeper mutual understanding and international collaboration.
The Open Doors Report, compiled by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the US Department of State, serves as a key benchmark for global educational exchange, providing insights into trends that shape higher education worldwide.
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