Nigeria ranks first in Africa, seventh globally for international students in US

According to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange, Nigeria has established itself as a major source of international students to the United States, ranking first in Africa and seventh internationally.

This was revealed in a statement by the US Embassy on Tuesday.

20,029 Nigerian students registered at US colleges and universities for the 2023–2024 academic year.

This reportedly indicates a 13.5% increase over the previous year.

According to the study, which was made public during overseas education week, the number of overseas students attending US universities has risen to a record 1,126,690.

A sizable portion of this population consists of Nigerian students, who are renowned for their dedication to higher education and exceptional academic performance.

The intellectual and cultural climate of American institutions is enhanced by the fact that over 55% of Nigerian students studying in the US are enrolled in graduate programs.

The statement states, “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 strong relations between Nigeria and US and the significant demand for US education are reflected in the constant increase in Nigerian student enrollment.

The statement also said that educational exchanges further solidify these ties.

It asserts that the educational exchange also foster understanding between people and international cooperation.

With a 13% increase in student mobility this year after an 18% increase in 2022–2023, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the region with the fastest rate of growth for foreign education.

“Sub-Saharan Africa’s student mobility grew by 13 per cent in 2023/24, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing region for the second year, following an 18 per cent 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 Institute of International Education and the US Department of State collaborated to develop the Open Doors Report.

This sets the standard for international educational interaction.

It was unveiled during International Education Week, a program designed to encourage intercultural learning and motivate aspiring leaders to study in the US.

About Open Doors Report

The Open Doors Report is a comprehensive annual survey conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and funded by the U.S. Department of State.

This report provides valuable insights into international student mobility and academic exchange between the United States and other countries, shedding light on the complex dynamics of global education.

The report offers a wealth of information, including data on international students studying in the United States, American students studying abroad, and international scholars conducting research in the U.S.

Specifically, it tracks the number of international students, their countries of origin, fields of study, and institutions attended.

Additionally, it provides information on the destinations and fields of study of American students studying abroad.

Some key findings from the report include the steady growth in the number of international students in the U.S., surpassing one million for the third consecutive year in 2018 and reaching a new high of 1,094,792.

The U.S. remains the top host of international students globally, with China, India, and South Korea being the top countries of origin.

International students contributed a significant $42.4 billion to the U.S. economy in 2017.

The Open Doors Report serves as an essential resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to understand international student mobility and academic exchange.

Its findings inform strategic decisions, policy development, and program initiatives aimed at promoting global education and cultural exchange.

By analyzing trends and patterns, stakeholders can better navigate the complexities of international education and foster cooperation between nations.

The report’s findings also underscore the importance of international education in fostering global understanding, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the Open Doors Report provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of international education, highlighting opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

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