…Says access to education crucial
No fewer than 73 Nigerian students benefited from.the United States financial aid, scholarships and assistantships in 2023, The Nation learnt.
Last year, the US provided over $30 million (47.7 billion naira) in financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships globally.
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said Nigeria leads all African countries in the number of students studying in the US with 17, 600 across more than 970 US institutions, with Texas being the top choice.
Mills who spoke at the 23rd Annual Education USA College Fair in Abuja on Tuesday stressed that access to quality education is crucial for equitable economic growth.
He said: “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.
“Last year, over $30 million (47.7 billion naira) in financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships were awarded to students advised by EducationUSA Nigeria, with 73 students supported through the Opportunity Funds Program in Abuja and Lagos who otherwise would not have been able to afford education in the United States come to the United States. So I’m hoping those tools will help more Nigerian students study in America.”
He stressed, “In terms of scholarship, We have hopes that the scholarships and assistance that American universities can provide will help more Nigerian students come to the United States. ”
The envoy also stressed the importance of access to quality education, saying “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.”
He added: “We’re here because the United States wants to invest, invest in Nigeria’s greatest asset. It’s young people. And we want to see many Nigerian students come to America to study, deepen our connections, deepen our ties, and then return to Nigeria to help build a more prosperous, secure Nigeria.
“So that’s why we’re here today hosting this education fair. And I’m really thrilled that we had over 50 different American universities and colleges come here today to talk to Nigerian students who are interested in studying at the graduate and undergraduate level in America.
“And we’d like to have even more. So thank you. Okay, so considering the economic situation of Nigeria, are we hoping to see more opportunities from the U.S. towards Nigeria Some form of support.”
