Nigeria is now the leading source of students from Africa and 7th largest contributor worldwide to the United States, according to the Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.
The newly released 2023 report shows a remarkable 22.2 per cent increase in Nigerian student enrollment, totalling 17,640 for the 2022/2023 academic year.
In the report, Nigeria jumped from 10th place during the 2021/2022 school year and now sends more students to the U.S. than Japan (8th), Brazil (9th), and Saudi Arabia (10th).
“The substantial increase in Nigerian students choosing to study in the United States underscores the U.S. commitment to providing quality education for Nigerian scholars and plays a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections and cultural exchanges between our two nations,” according to a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria.
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Nearly 55 per cent of Nigerian students pursue graduate-level studies, reflecting the nation’s commitment to advanced education.
This data, unveiled by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the Open Doors 2023 report, underscores the continued competitiveness of U.S. higher education and marks the beginning of International Education Week.
This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education aims to foster global awareness and attract future leaders worldwide to experience and learn in the United States.
The report is published annually by the IIE in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.