According to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange, Nigeria has reaffirmed its status as a top source of international students in the United States, ranking seventh globally and leading in Africa.
The US Embassy announced on Tuesday that 20,029 Nigerian students were enrolled in US colleges and universities during the 2023/2024 academic year, a 13.5% increase from the previous year.
The report, released during International Education Week, highlighted that US institutions now host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students—the highest ever. Nigerian students account for a substantial portion of this population, celebrated for their academic excellence and dedication to education.
Additionally, over 55% of Nigerian students in the US are pursuing graduate-level studies, contributing significantly to the academic and cultural vibrancy of American universities.
“The report reveals that US colleges and universities host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students this year, marking an all-time high for international enrolment.
“This milestone aligns with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, the leading benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States.
“Notably, Nigeria, with 20,029 students, reinforces its position as the top sending country from Africa and the seventh largest globally,” the statement said.
The steady growth in Nigerian student enrolment reflects the high demand for US education and the strong ties between the two nations.
These connections are further strengthened by educational exchanges, which promote mutual understanding and global collaboration, the statement added.
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the fastest-growing region for international education, with a 13 percent increase in student mobility this year, following an 18 percent rise in 2022/2023.
“Sub-Saharan Africa’s student mobility grew by 13 percent in 2023/24, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing region for the second year, following an 18 percent increase in 2022/23.
“The influx of Nigerian students is a testament to the robust educational ties between the US and Nigeria,” it added.
The Open Doors Report, published by the Institute of International Education in collaboration with the US Department of State, serves as a benchmark for global educational exchange.
It was unveiled as part of International Education Week, an initiative aimed at fostering cross-cultural learning and inspiring future leaders to pursue studies in the United States.
