Nearly 13,000 Nigerian graduates and under-graduates students are currently seeking admission into universities in the United States across 1000 universities according to the US Consul-General, Mr. Will Stevens.
He made the disclosure at the 21st Annual Education USA College and Career Fairs organised in both Abuja and Lagos. The students who were said to be exploring possibilities in studying in United States as well as partaking in the American higher education, expressed optimism of connecting to the global world.
This year’s Fair, which took place in Abuja and Lagos was organised by the U.S. Mission and featuring visiting representatives from 25 universities and colleges from across the United States. The Fair was augmented by talks by US experts and Nigerian US university alumni on college admissions and student visa application processes.
Speaking with the students, Stevens said America is the leading destination for international students, noting the United States offers students an unrivalled educational experience, flexibility, and diversity.
“Over the last two decades, Education USA College and Career Fairs have resulted in an increased number of highly qualified Nigerian applicants to U.S. institutions. Nearly 13,000 Nigerians are currently pursuing U.S. graduate and undergraduate degrees across 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities.
“Nigeria sends more students to U.S. colleges and universities than any other country in Africa and is the eleventh largest source country worldwide of international students to the United States. The vast majority of these students, upon graduation, contribute positively to Nigeria’s public and private sectors and civil society when they return”, he said.
Speaking on the theme ‘Exploring opportunities post-pandemic,’ Stevens noted that the role of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is to facilitate and build connections between the United States and Nigeria. He added that one of the best ways these connections are built, and mutual understanding is fostered, is through educational exchange.
“We are happy to provide Nigerian students who wish to study in the United States a unique opportunity to learn about the diversity of the programs offered at various U.S. educational institutions,” he said.
The US deputy chief of mission, Mr. David Greene who spoke in Abuja greeted students, parents, teachers and all 25 U.S. university representatives, which included admissions officers from leading and diverse institutions such as Howard University, Drexel University, Pace University, University of Oregon, Iowa State University, and University of Tennessee.
