Nigeria’s enrolment in U.S. colleges and universities reached 20,029 students in the 2023/2024 academic year, positioning it as the 7th largest source of international students worldwide and the top African country for student enrolment, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.
This represents a 13.5% increase from the previous year, solidifying Nigeria’s role as Africa’s leading contributor to international student numbers. The U.S. now hosts a record 1,126,690 international students, marking the highest enrolment in history.
Nigerian students are known for their academic excellence, with over 55% of them pursuing graduate-level studies. This group plays a key role in enriching the academic and cultural diversity of American universities.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja highlighted that Nigeria’s 20,029 students helped make the milestone possible, maintaining its position as the leading African source of international students. The report also noted that the growth in Nigerian enrolment reflects the increasing demand for U.S. education and the strong educational ties between the two nations.
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to lead as the fastest-growing region for international education, with a 13% rise in student mobility this year, following an 18% increase the year prior. This upward trend underscores the growing importance of global educational exchanges, which foster mutual understanding and international collaboration.
