- Nigeria maintains its top spot in Africa and ranks seventh globally as a major source of international students in the US, with 20,029 Nigerian students enrolled for the 2023/2024 academic year, marking a 13.5% increase
- The 2024 Open Doors Report highlights a historic high of 1,126,690 international students in the US, reflecting strong global demand for American education, with Nigerians significantly contributing through graduate-level studies
- The region remains the fastest-growing source of international students for the second year, with a 13% rise in mobility for 2023/2024, underscoring robust educational ties between Nigeria and the US
Nigeria has reaffirmed its status as a major contributor of international students in the United States, securing seventh place globally and the top spot in Africa, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.
This was disclosed by the US Embassy in a statement on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
For the 2023/2024 academic session, 20,029 Nigerian students enrolled in American universities and colleges, a 13.5 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Released during International Education Week, the report highlighted that US institutions are now home to a record 1,126,690 international students, the highest ever recorded. This can be attributed to the tonnes of scholarships available for international students in the US.
Nigerian students make up a notable portion of this total, recognised for their academic prowess and dedication to higher learning. Over 55 per cent of these students are engaged in postgraduate studies, enriching both the academic and cultural landscape of American campuses.
"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 enrolment," the statement emphasised.
This landmark aligns with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, widely regarded as the leading measure of international educational exchange in the United States. Nigeria's contribution of 20,029 students underscores its position as the largest source of African students and seventh worldwide, the statement added.
The consistent increase in Nigerian student enrolment highlights the strong demand for US education and the enduring connections between the two nations. These ties are further nurtured by educational exchanges that foster mutual understanding and global cooperation.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most rapidly expanding region for international education, with a 13 per cent rise in student mobility this year, building on an 18 per cent increase during the 2022/2023 period.
"Sub-Saharan Africa’s student mobility grew by 13 per cent in 2023/24, retaining its status as the fastest-growing region for the second consecutive year, following an 18 per cent surge in 2022/23. The influx of Nigerian students attests to the strong educational partnership between the US and Nigeria," the statement noted.
Apply now: 2025 fully-funded Dartmouth College King Scholarship for Nigerians, others
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported the availability of fully-funded scholarships at Dartmouth College King Scholarship for Nigerian applicants.
Dartmouth College is one of the prestigious Ivy League institutions in the United States and it is known for its commitment to academic excellence and leadership.
The scholarship is aimed at providing a full financial package for outstanding international students, enabling them to pursue undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College. It also targets students from developing countries who have demonstrated academic brilliance, leadership skills, and a commitment to making a positive difference in their home communities.
