Nigeria strengthened its position as a top source of international students in the United States, ranking seventh globally and first in Africa, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.
The U.S. Embassy confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.
For the 2023/2024 academic year, 20,029 Nigerian students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, reflecting a 13.5% increase from the previous year.
The report, released during International Education Week, highlights that U.S. institutions now host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students, the highest number in history.
Nigerian students make up a significant portion of this total, noted for their academic excellence and commitment to higher education.
Over 55% of Nigerian students in the U.S. are pursuing graduate-level studies, enhancing both the academic and cultural environment of American universities.
“The report reveals that U.S. colleges and universities now host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students this year, marking an all-time high for international enrollment,” the statement said.
“This milestone coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, the leading benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States,” the statement continued.
Nigeria’s steady growth in student enrollment underscores the increasing demand for U.S. education and the strong educational ties between the two nations.
These connections are further bolstered by educational exchanges that promote mutual understanding and global collaboration.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the fastest-growing region for international student mobility, with a 13% increase in student enrollment this year, following an 18% rise in 2022/2023.
“Sub-Saharan Africa’s student mobility grew by 13% in 2023/24, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing region for the second consecutive year,” the statement added.
“The influx of Nigerian students highlights the strong educational relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
The Open Doors Report, published by the Institute of International Education in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, serves as a key measure of global educational exchange.
It was unveiled as part of International Education Week, which aims to promote cross-cultural learning and encourage future leaders to pursue studies in the United States.
