U.S higher education enrolment: Nigeria rated 1st in Africa, 18th in the world

Written by Laide Akinboade – Oriere.

ABUJA – Nigeria was rated first in Sub-Saharan Africa and eighteenth in the World for International U.S higher education enrolment.The U.S Education Advisory Supervisor, Folashade Adebayo made this known in Abuja during the 16th Annual College and Career fair organised by the U.S mission in Nigeria.

Mrs Adebayo also said that for the 2015/2016 Academic year, the Education USA members recieved financial aids of over four million U.S dollars as scholarships for Nigeria students.She said, “According to Institute of International Education`s Open door, Nigeria Students’ enrolment in the U.S has increased with more than 25 percent in the past 5 years.

“Nigeria is declared 1st in Sub saharan Africa and 18th in the World for International U.S higher education enrolment following Nigeria in enrolment rate is Kenya with about 5000 margin”.Mrs Adebayo added that the U.S Embassy College fair has contributed hugely to the increase of Nigeria students studying in the United States.

“in the 2015/2016 academic year, Education USA members received over 4 million Dollars in financial aid and scholarship for Nigerian students”

She disclosed that 8000 Nigeria Students are currently studying in the U.S adding that the increasing enrolment figure is gainful to the future of Nigeria and its economy.

The EducationUSA officer identified limited access and the challenge of research system in Nigeria as major reasons why some Nigerians prefer to study in the U.S.Folashade also stated that the college fair provides opportunities to bet current information on studying in the States.

“The College fair has direct contributions to the increase in the numbers of Nigerian applicants as well s provide information on available financial aids for the less privileged of the society”

Also speaking on the career fair, the U.S Cultural affairs Officer, Bob Kerr said Studying in the higher institutions in the United States provides International advantage to Nigerians.Mr Kerr stressed that Nigerian Students in the U.S will be provided opportunities to give back practical knowledge to the development of Nigeria`s economy and Africa Continent as a whole.