International students in US: Nigeria ranks 7th worldwide, leads in Africa

Nigeria has emerged as the seventh-largest source of international students in the US and the top African country, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.

The US Embassy made this known in a statement released on Tuesday.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, Nigerian student enrollment in US colleges and universities surged 13.5% to 20,029, up from the previous year.

The report, released during International Education Week, revealed that US institutions now host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students, the highest in history.

Nigerian students significantly contribute to this demographic, distinguished by their academic excellence and dedication to higher learning.

Notably, over 55% of these students pursue graduate studies, enriching American universities’ academic and cultural landscapes.

The statement said: “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 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.

It added: “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.”

The Open Doors Report, a collaborative effort between the Institute of International Education and the US Department of State, provides a comprehensive benchmark for global educational exchange.

Its release coincided with International Education Week, promoting cross-cultural learning and inspiring future leaders to study in the US.