Nigeria Emerges as Top 7 Source of International Students in the US

Nigeria Leads African Nations in US Student Enrollment

Nigeria has solidified its position as the top African nation sending students to the United States. According to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange, 20,029 Nigerian students enrolled in US colleges and universities in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 13.5% increase from the previous year. This places Nigeria seventh globally among countries sending students to the US.

The US Embassy highlighted that Nigerian students, known for their academic excellence, are significantly contributing to the diverse student population in American institutions. Over 55% of Nigerian students are pursuing graduate degrees.

The overall number of international students in the US reached a record high of 1,126,690, with Sub-Saharan Africa being the fastest-growing region for international education. This growth is attributed to strong educational ties between the US and African nations, particularly Nigeria.

The Open Doors Report, a collaboration between the Institute of International Education and the US Department of State, provides valuable insights into global educational exchange.