Nigeria Ranks 7th Globally for U.S. Student Enrollment

Nigeria has emerged as the leading African nation and the seventh largest globally in terms of student enrollment in the United States. According to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, Nigerian students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities reached 20,029 for the 2023/2024 academic year, marking a significant 13.5% increase from the previous year.

A statement released on Tuesday by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja highlighted Nigeria’s prominent position, stating that the country is now Africa’s top source of international students and holds the seventh spot worldwide. This achievement underscores the robust educational ties between Nigeria and the United States.

The Open Doors Report revealed that U.S. institutions hosted a record 1,126,690 international students in the 2023/2024 period, achieving an all-time high in global enrollment. This milestone coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, which serves as the primary benchmark for tracking international educational exchanges in the United States.

Nigerian students contribute significantly to the diversity and academic excellence of U.S. universities. Over 55% of these students are pursuing graduate-level studies, reflecting their strong academic backgrounds and dedication to advanced education. The influx of Nigerian scholars not only enhances the educational environment but also fosters deeper cultural and intellectual exchanges between the two nations.

The increase in Nigerian student enrollment is indicative of the U.S. commitment to providing high-quality education and the growing interest among Nigerian scholars in gaining international academic experiences. This trend highlights the importance of people-to-people connections in strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and the United States.

Sub-Saharan Africa has maintained its status as the fastest-growing region for student mobility, with a 13% increase in 2023/24, following an 18% rise in the previous year. The steady growth of Nigerian students is a testament to the enduring and expanding educational partnerships between the U.S. and Nigeria.

The Open Doors Report is an annual publication by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It was released at the onset of International Education Week, an initiative jointly organized by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education.