12, 860 Nigerians Studying In 1,000 US Schools —Report

No fewer than 12,860 Nigerians are enrolled in over 1,000 educational institutions in the United States, the 2021 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange has said.


The report released on Monday by the Institute of International Education and the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs highlights the US higher education sector as a destination of choice for international students and the growing interest in international educational exchange among American students.


The Open Doors report indicates that Nigeria was the leading source of students from the continent and the 10th largest place of origin country worldwide, noting that students using EducationUSA Nigeria services recorded $28 million in scholarships and financial aid awarded to those admitted for the 2021 academic year.


It said there was a slight drop in the number of students from Nigeria currently studying in the United States, less than half the worldwide average decline.


“The current figure of 12,860 Nigerian students represents 33 per cent of African students in the United States, making Nigeria both the leading source of students from the continent and 10th largest place of origin country worldwide.


“Nigerians are enrolled in more than 1,000 institutions in the United States, while students using EducationUSA Nigeria services recorded $28 million in scholarships and financial aid awarded to those admitted for the 2021 academic year,” a statement on Monday from the US Embassy said, citing the report.


The statement titled, ‘Nigeria ranks #1 in Africa and top 10 worldwide,’ read, “In 2020/2021, the US remains the top destination for international students, welcoming over 914,000 international students from over 200 places of origin.



“International students build life-long connections with Americans, their peers, host families, professors and communities. These relationships help grow America’s international partnerships, forging ties that help the world combat global challenges.”


The embassy said the US remained open and welcoming to international students, even throughout the pandemic, adding that the US government and system of higher education have been flexible to safely welcome international students, providing opportunities and resources to students during the global crisis.


“These efforts exemplify our shared commitment to international student mobility and global higher education,” it noted.