Nigeria has solidified its position as a leading source of international students in the United States, ranking seventh globally and first in Africa, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.

The US Embassy disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

For the 2023/2024 academic year, 20,029 Nigerian students enrolled in US colleges and universities, marking a 13.5 per cent increase from the previous year.

The report, released during International Education Week, revealed that US institutions now host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students, the highest in history.

Nigerian students represent a significant share of this population, known for their academic excellence and commitment to higher education.

More than 55 per cent of Nigerian students in the US are pursuing graduate-level studies, enriching the academic and cultural environment of American universities.

“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 75thanniversary 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 steady growth In Nigerian student enrolment reflects the high demand for US education and the strong ties between the two nations.

These connections are further strengthened by educational exchanges, which promote mutual understanding and global collaboration, the statement added.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains the fastest-growing region for international education, with a 13 per cent increase in student mobility this year, following an 18 per cent rise in 2022/2023.

“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 Open Doors Report, published by the Institute of International Education in collaboration with the US Department of State, serves as a benchmark for global educational exchange.

It was unveiled as part of International Education Week, an initiative aimed at fostering cross-cultural learning and inspiring future leaders to pursue studies in the United States. (The PUNCH)