The number of Nigerian students enrolled in colleges and universities in the United States (U.S.) has reached 20,029 for the 2023/2024 academic year, positioning Nigeria seventh in the world and first in Africa, as reported in the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange. This represents a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year, solidifying Nigeria’s status as Africa’s top source of international students and seventh globally.
According to the report released by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, U.S. institutions are now hosting an unprecedented 1,126,690 international students, the highest number ever recorded. Nigerian students constitute a notable portion of this demographic, recognized for their academic achievements and dedication to higher education. Over 55 percent of Nigerian students in the U.S. are enrolled in graduate programs, contributing to the academic and cultural diversity of American universities.
“The report indicates that U.S. colleges and universities are hosting a record 1,126,690 international students this year, marking a historic peak for international enrollment. This achievement coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, which serves as the primary benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States. Importantly, Nigeria, with its 20,029 students, reaffirms its role as the leading sending country from Africa and the seventh largest worldwide,” the statement noted.
The consistent increase in Nigerian student enrollment highlights the strong demand for U.S. education and the deep-rooted connections between the two countries. These relationships are further enhanced by educational exchanges that foster mutual understanding and global collaboration, the statement emphasized.
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the fastest-growing region for international education, experiencing a 13 percent rise in student mobility this year, following an 18 percent increase in the 2022/2023 academic year. “Sub-Saharan Africa’s student mobility grew by 13 percent in 2023/24, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing region for the second consecutive year, after an 18 percent rise in 2022/23. The influx of Nigerian students underscores the strong educational ties between the U.S. and Nigeria,” it added.
