No fewer than 13,000 Nigerian graduates and under-graduate students are currently seeking admission into over 1,000 universities in the United States.
This was disclosed by the US Mission Consul General, Will Stevens, at the 21st Annual Education USA College and Career Fairs organised in both Abuja and Lagos.
The students, who were said to be exploring possibilities in studying in United States as well as partaking in the American higher education, expressed optimism of connecting to the global world.
This year’s Education USA College and Career Fair, which took place in Abuja and Lagos, was organised by the U.S. Mission, and featuring visiting representatives from 25 universities and colleges from across the United States.
The fair was augmented by talks by U.S. experts and Nigerian-U.S. university alumni on college admissions and student visa application processes.
Speaking with the students, U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens, said that America remains a leading destination for international students, noting that the United States offers students an unrivalled educational experience, flexibility, and diversity.
According to him, “Over the last two decades, Education USA College and Career Fairs have resulted in an increased number of highly qualified Nigerian applicants to U.S. institutions. Nearly 13,000 Nigerians are currently pursuing U.S. graduate and under-graduate degrees across 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities.
“Nigeria sends more students to U.S. colleges and universities than any other country in Africa, and is the 11th largest source country worldwide of international students to the United States. The vast majority of these students, upon graduation, contribute positively to Nigeria’s public and private sectors and civil society when they return”, he said.
Speaking on the theme, “Exploring Opportunities Post-Pandemic,” Stevens noted that the role of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria was to facilitate and build connections between the United States and Nigeria.
He added that one of the best ways these connections are built, and mutual understanding is fostered, was through educational exchange.
“We are happy to provide Nigerian students, who wish to study in the United States, a unique opportunity to learn about the diversity of the programmes offered at various U.S. educational institutions,” he said.
U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, David Greene, who spoke in Abuja, expressed gratitude to the students, parents, teachers and all 25 U.S. university representatives, which included admissions officers from leading and diverse institutions such as Howard University, Drexel University, Pace University, University of Oregon, Iowa State University, and University of Tennessee for participating in the fairs.
In both cities, Counsellor of Public Affairs, Adnan Siddiqi; U.S. Mission Education USA advisers; and Nigerian alumni of U.S. universities, joined the visiting U.S. college admissions officers to speak about the benefits of American education and study abroad, and to answer questions about the college admissions process, standardised testing, financial aid, and scholarships and opportunities.