Nigeria Ranks 7th Globally For International Students In The US

According to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange, Nigerian student enrollment in US colleges and universities increased to 20,029 in 2023/2024, ranking seventh globally and first in Africa.

The result represented a 13.5% rise over the previous year, ranking Nigeria as Africa’s biggest provider of international students and seventh globally.

According to a study released by the United States Embassy in Abuja, US universities currently have a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students, the greatest number ever.

Nigerian students make up a sizable proportion of this community, noted for their academic prowess and dedication to higher education.

More than 55% of Nigerian students in the United States are pursuing graduate degrees, which enriches the academic and cultural environment 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 enrolment.

“This milestone aligns with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, the leading benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States.

“Notably, Nigeria, with 20,029 students, reinforces its position as the top sending country from Africa and the seventh largest globally,” the statement said.

Nigerian student enrollment has steadily increased, reflecting the significant demand for US education and the two countries’ longstanding ties.

Educational exchanges, which encourage mutual understanding and worldwide collaboration, help to develop these linkages, according to the statement.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the fastest-growing market for foreign education, with student mobility up 13% this year, following an 18% growth in 2022/2023.

“Sub-Saharan Africa’s student mobility grew by 13 per cent in 2023/24, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing region for the second year, following an 18 per cent increase in 2022/23.

“The influx of Nigerian students is a testament to the robust educational ties between the US and Nigeria,” it added.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli