Nigeria has cemented its status as a top provider of international students to the United States, securing the seventh position worldwide and leading in Africa, as highlighted in the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.
This information was shared by the US Embassy in a statement on Tuesday.
In the 2023/2024 academic year, 20,029 students from Nigeria enrolled in American colleges and universities, reflecting a 13.5 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The report, unveiled during International Education Week, also showed that US institutions are now hosting a record 1,126,690 international students, the largest number ever recorded.
Here are the paraphrased versions of the sentences:
Nigerian students form a substantial portion of this group, recognized for their academic achievements and dedication to pursuing higher education.
Over 55 percent of Nigerian students in the United States are engaged in graduate studies, contributing to the academic and cultural diversity 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.
The consistent rise in Nigerian student enrolment highlights the growing desire for US education and the deepening relationship between the two countries.
The statement further emphasized that educational exchanges play a key role in reinforcing these ties, fostering mutual understanding and global cooperation.
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the fastest-expanding region for international education, with a 13% increase in student mobility this year, building on 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.
The Open Doors Report, released by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the US Department of State, acts as a standard for worldwide educational exchange.
It was launched during International Education Week, a program designed to promote cultural exchange and encourage aspiring leaders to consider studying in the United States.