The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, announced that Nigeria has surpassed all other African nations in terms of the number of students enrolled in US colleges. Mills made this statement at the 23rd Annual Education USA College Fair in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Mills, more than 17,600 Nigerian students were enrolled in over 970 US institutions last year, with Texas emerging as the most popular destination. He praised the growing interest among Nigerians in pursuing higher education in the US.
“It is wonderful to see the flourishing interest from Nigerians considering studying in the US,” Mills said. “More Nigerians study in the United States than from any other African country. Last year, over 17,600 Nigerian students were enrolled in institutions across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The most popular state? Texas!”
Mills also highlighted the impact of the EducationUSA College Fair, noting its role in increasing the number of Nigerian applicants and enhancing financial aid opportunities. He reported that last year, more than $30 million (47.7 billion naira) in financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships were awarded to Nigerian students through EducationUSA Nigeria, with 73 students benefiting from the Opportunity Funds Programme in Abuja and Lagos.
The ambassador emphasized the crucial role of education in fostering economic growth, improving health, and advancing gender equality, underlining that a thriving Nigeria positively impacts both countries.
“Access to quality education is essential for equitable economic growth, improving health indicators, advancing gender equality, and promoting socioeconomic progress,” Mills stated. “A prosperous and stable Nigeria benefits both Nigeria and the United States, and it all starts with education.”
News Editor