Nigerian students secure over N47.7bn in funding through EducationUSA

…U.S. College fair highlights growing educational opportunities

On September 17, 2024, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria hosted the 23rd Annual EducationUSA College Fair at the NAF Conference Center in Abuja, attracting hundreds of students eager to explore educational opportunities in the United States.

The event showcased 50 prestigious U.S. institutions, including Harvard, Columbia, and Tulane, allowing attendees to engage directly with international admissions officers regarding scholarships and funding options.

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., emphasised the strengthening educational ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in his opening remarks.

“It is wonderful to see the flourishing interest from Nigerians considering studying in the United States,” he noted.

According to the Institute of International Education, Nigeria leads Africa in sending students to the U.S., with over 17,600 Nigerian students enrolled at 970 institutions last year. Ambassador Mills highlighted that last year alone, over $30 million (approximately N47.7 billion) in financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships were awarded to students guided by EducationUSA Nigeria.

Participants like Ayoola Odomo, a secondary school student aspiring to study software engineering, shared their motivations for pursuing education abroad. Odomo expressed his belief that better opportunities exist in the U.S. compared to Nigeria, citing challenges such as frequent strikes in federal universities. “Imagine spending eight years in school for a six-year course,” he lamented.

Odomo thanked the U.S. Embassy for facilitating these opportunities, noting, “Many students in Nigeria are looking for better educational and life prospects, and we are truly grateful.”