About 13,000 Nigerian graduate and undergraduate students are currently studying in the United States across 1000 US universities.
This was disclosed by the U.S Consul General, Will Stevens, at the 21st Annual EducationUSA College and Career Fair, organized in both Abuja and Lagos.
The students who were said to be exploring possibilities in studying in the United States, as well as partaking in American higher education, expressed optimism about connecting to the global social space.
This year’s EducationUSA College and Career Fair, which took place in Abuja and Lagos, featured visiting representatives from 25 universities and colleges from across the United States.
The Fair was augmented by talks given 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 unrivaled educational experience, flexibility, and diversity.
According to him, “over the last two decades, EducationUSA 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 undergraduate 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 eleventh 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.”
Speaking on the theme, “Exploring Opportunities Post-Pandemic,” Consul General Stevens noted that the role of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is 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 is 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 programs offered at various U.S. educational institutions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, David Greene, who spoke in Abuja greeted students, parents, teachers and all 25 U.S. university representatives, which included admission officers from leading and diverse institutions, such as Howard University, Drexel University, Pace University, University of Oregon, Iowa State University, and the University of Tennessee.
Both in Abuja and Lagos, Counselor of Public Affairs, Adnan Siddiqi, U.S. Mission EducationUSA advisers, and Nigerian alumni of U.S. universities joined the visiting U.S. college admission officers to speak about the benefits of American education and studying abroad. They also answered questions about college admission processes, standardized testing, financial aid, and scholarship and opportunities.
Source: Vanguard
