The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., has disclosed that over 17,600 Nigerian students secured admission to study in U.S. institutions in 2023.

Mills Jr. said that Nigerian students were studying in over 970 institutions in the year 2023.

While revealing that the state where most Nigerians gained admission out of 50 states and the District of Columbia in 2023 was Texas, the U.S. envoy noted that its annual college fairs have helped in significantly increasing the number of Nigerians applying to study in the United States.

He disclosed this at the 23rd Annual College Fair in Abuja on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.

Mills Jr. said: “Your presence here represents the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and Nigeria. It is wonderful to see the flourishing interest from Nigerians considering studying in the United States and from the representatives of U.S. colleges and universities who travel to Nigeria, to meet with prospective students.

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“Our Embassy-sponsored College Fair provides you all with a great opportunity to obtain current information on studying in the United States and to discuss career possibilities.

“We are glad you are here, following in the footsteps of thousands of Nigerians who have travelled to the United States to study. More Nigerians study in the United States than from any other African country.

“According to the most recent data, more than 17,600 Nigerian students studied at over 970 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia last year.  If you are wondering which state is the most popular – it’s Texas.

“Our annual College Fairs have significantly increased the number of excellent applicants to U.S. institutions and boosted financial aid and scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership for education with Nigeria.  Access to quality education is essential for equitable economic growth, improving health indicators, advancing gender equality, and promoting socioeconomic progress.

“A prosperous and stable Nigeria benefits both Nigeria and the United States, and it all starts with education. Studying in the United States also creates new friendships that will last a lifetime.”

The Star