Nigerian enrollment in U.S. colleges and universities surged to 20,029 students in the 2023/2024 academic year, marking a 13.5 per cent increase from the previous year, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange. Nigeria now ranks as Africa’s leading source of international students and 7th globally.
This year, U.S. institutions host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students, the highest in history. Nigeria, with its significant contribution, underscores its position as a top-sending country, reinforcing educational ties between the two nations.
Nigerian students enrich U.S. academic institutions with their diversity and strong academic backgrounds. Over 55 per cent pursue graduate-level studies, demonstrating their commitment to advanced education. This growing interest in U.S. education reflects Nigeria’s robust academic ambitions and the appeal of high-quality programs abroad.
Sub-Saharan Africa, led by Nigeria, remains the fastest-growing region for international student mobility, with a 13 per cent increase in 2023/2024. This growth follows an 18 per cent surge in the previous year, solidifying the region’s dynamic contributions to global education.
The Open Doors Report, an annual publication by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, coincides with International Education Week. This initiative promotes global awareness and encourages future leaders worldwide to pursue education in the United States.
The steady influx of Nigerian students highlights the enduring bond between Nigeria and the U.S., fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people connections.
