Nigeria is still first in Africa, now 10th worldwide despite drop in numbers
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nigeria, with its citizens’ huge thirst for learning, retains its slot as the source of most African students in higher institutions in the United States despite the numbers dropping to 12,860 from 14,000 earlier in the year.
The drop is “less than half the worldwide average decline” and “Nigerians are enrolled in more than 1,000 institutions in the United States,” according latest data from the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.
The US Consulate in Nigeria had disclosed last month that earlier this year there were “almost 14,000 Nigerians studying in America and this is not by accident. This is because Nigerians and Nigerian families believe in strong education.”
The Open Doors Report shows a reduction of 114 students but notes that Nigeria retains its number one position in Africa and 10th in the world for the number of foreign students in the US.
The report is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (BECA).
The report, contained in a statement issued by the US embassy, said America remains the top destination for international students, welcoming over 914,000 from over 200 places of origin, per reporting by The Nation.
Nigeria’s current figure of 12,860 represents 33 per cent of African students in the US, making the country both the leading source of students from the continent and 10th largest place of origin country worldwide, according to the report.
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International student mobility
“In 2020/2021, the United States remains the top destination for international students, welcoming over 914,000 international students from over 200 places of origin according to the 2021 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange,” the said statement, tiled “Nigeria ranks #1 in Africa and Top Ten Worldwide”.
“International students build life-long connections with Americans, their peers, host families, professors and communities. These relationships help grow America’s international partnerships, forging ties that help the world collectively global challenges.
“The United States remained open and welcoming to international students, even throughout the pandemic.
“The U.S. Government and the U.S system of higher education have been flexible to safely welcome international students, providing opportunities and resources to students during a global crisis.
“These efforts exemplify our shared commitment to international student mobility and global higher education.
“The new report indicates there was a slight drop in the number of students from Nigeria currently studying in the United States, less than half the worldwide average decline.
“The current figure of 12,860 Nigerian students represents 33 per cent of African students in the United States, making Nigeria both the leading source of students from the continent and 10th largest place of origin country worldwide.
“Nigerians are enrolled in more than 1,000 institutions in the United States, while students using Education USA Nigeria services recorded $28 million in scholarships and financial aid awarded to those admitted for the 2021 academic year.”
The report said Open Doors 2021 highlights the US higher education sector as a destination of choice for international students and the growing interest in international educational exchange among US students.
“The release of the new Open Doors data marks the celebration of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from other countries to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States.
