In an impressive feat, Nigeria has secured its place among the top ten nations with the highest number of students in the United States, as revealed by the latest Open Doors Report from the Washington-based Institute of International Education (IIE).
The report unveiled a notable 22.2 percent surge in the number of Nigerian students pursuing education in the United States, despite the prevailing foreign exchange crisis. The remarkable increase saw enrolment from Nigeria soar to 17,640 in the 2022/23 academic year from 14,438 in the preceding year.
This surge in Nigerian students studying in the US further cements the country’s standing as a hub for academic pursuit and opportunities on the global stage.
According to the report, the United States played host to a staggering 1.06 million international students during the academic year, showcasing a substantial 12 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
The full list of countries with the highest number of students in the US is as follows:
- 1. China – 27 per cent (289,526)
- 2. India – 25 percent (268,928)
- 3. South Korea – 4 per cent (43,847)
- 4. Canada – 3 per cent (27,876)
- 5. Nigeria – 2 per cent
- 6. Brazil – per cent
- 7. Saudi Arabia – per cent
- 8. Taiwan – per cent
- 9. Japan – per cent
- 10. Vietnam – 2 per cent
With Nigeria’s notable presence in the top ranks, it is evident that an increasing number of Nigerian students are seeking and gaining access to academic opportunities on the international front, reflecting the country’s growing emphasis on the value of education and global exposure.
