By Chika Otuchikere, Abuja
A United States Report has shown that Nigeria ranks tenth in countries with students seeking education in the United States.
The 2022 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, released Monday, reveals that new international student enrollment in the United States has rebounded and increased by 80 percent, raising the total number of international students enrolled in U.S. institutions by 4 percent.
The report made available by the US Mission in Nigeria stated that there is an increasing number of students crossing the globe to gain practical, international experience that they can apply in their careers and life in a global society.
It stated that students from Nigeria to the US increased by 12.3 percent to 13,438 in 2021 to 2022.
According to the Mission, globally, the rebound and growth confirms that the United States remains the destination of choice in higher education, with over 948,000 international students.
“International students are returning to in-person studies in the United States, with 90 percent of all enrolled students attending in-person classes.
“The return to campuses allows international students to build life-long connections with American peers, increase collaboration within and across fields of study, and grow America’s international partnerships to address current and global challenges.
“The new Open Doors Report indicates there was a 12.3 percent increase in the number of students from Nigeria studying in the United States for the 2021/2022 academic year. This represents a total of 14,438 Nigerian students, which is 33 percent of all African students studying in the United States.
“This means that Nigeria remains the leading source of students from Africa and the 10th largest country worldwide sending international students to the United States.
“Nigerian students in the United States primarily study at the graduate level, with the remaining 31 percent enrolled in undergraduate studies, 17 percent pursuing optional practical training, and 2 percent in non-degree programs or short-term studies.
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.