A report by the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange has said that the number of Nigerians studying in the United States has dropped to 12,860.

The Open Doors report is published annually by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

However, the report noted that Nigeria maintained its number one position in Africa and 10th in the world for the number of foreign students in the U.S.

According to it, the U.S. remains the top destination for international students, welcoming over 914,000 international students from over 200 places of origin.

The report, which was contained in a statement issued by the US embassy, disclosed that Nigeria’s current figure of 12,860 represents 33 per cent of African students in the United States, making the country both the leading source of students from the continent and 10th largest place of origin country worldwide.

The statement was titled “Nigeria ranks #1 in Africa and Top Ten Worldwide”.

It reads: “In 2020/2021, the United States remains the top destination for international students, welcoming over 914,000 international students from over 200 places of origin according to the 2021 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.

“International students build life-long connections with Americans, their peers, host families, professors and communities. These relationships help grow America’s international partnerships, forging ties that help the world collectively global challenges.

“The current figure of 12,860 Nigerian students represents 33 per cent of African students in the United States, making Nigeria both the leading source of students from the continent and 10th largest place of origin country worldwide.

“The new report indicates there was a slight drop in the number of students from Nigeria currently studying in the United States, less than half the worldwide average decline.

” Nigerians are enrolled in more than 1,000 institutions in the United States, while students using Education USA Nigeria services recorded $28 million in scholarships and financial aid awarded to those admitted for the 2021 academic year.

“Open Doors 2021, released today by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, highlights the U.S. higher education sector as a destination of choice for international students and the growing interest in international educational exchange among U.S. students.”