There are over 11,000 Nigerian students studying in the United States of America (USA), spokesman of the US Consulate in Lagos, Rusell Brooks has disclosed.
This is as he debunked allegations that it was far more difficult currently to get a visa to that country than previously was the case.
Brooks who stated this during a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, recently said, “Don’t rely on what you hear from your friends and neighbours, even family members at times because it may not be reliable.
“You have to go to an authoritative source if you want to go for education in the US. Visa decisions are always made on an individual basis. No two people or persons’ situation are exactly the same,” he said, describing the US as a welcoming place to study.
“There are over eleven thousand Nigerians currently studying in American institutions. And I can speak for the education in USA staff and say that they will certainly like to increase that number,” Brook stated.
The US envoy however said: “Under the US law, to get a non-immigrant visa one must establish why they want to visit the United States. What is the motivational purpose of that visit?
“That they have strong ties to their home country and they have every intent to return to their home country. That is not something new. That has been the law for many years and it has not changed,” he added.
He said that the State Department has over 425 advising centres in 180 countries which provide ‘accurate, comprehensive and current information’ on the steps that students can take if they are interested in studying in the US, adding that there are over four thousand institutions of higher education in that country.
He therefore advised those who have interest in studying there to really use guidance as to what school or institution is appropriate for them, adding that there are education in USA centers located both in Abuja and Lagos where information can be sourced.
“We also have books and other resources that would describe the opportunities to study in the US. So, for those who believe that they are qualified and have what it takes to study in the United States, we certainly encourage them to get information that they need to pursue those opportunities,” the US envoy advised.

Dennis Naku