The Digest:
Nigeria has become the eighth-largest source of international students in the United States, with 21,847 Nigerians enrolled in American higher institutions during the 2024/2025 academic year, according to the Open Doors report. The figure represents a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase and continues a five-year upward trend from just under 13,000 students in 2020/21. Nigeria slipped one place globally after Taiwan posted higher numbers. India leads with 363,019 students, overtaking China (277,398). Total international enrollment in the US topped 1.1 million, though new enrollments showed signs of decline toward session's end due to policy shifts following President Trump's January 2025 inauguration, including heightened restrictions and visa challenges.
Key Points:
- The growing student population strengthens remittance flows and people-to-people ties between both nations.
- It enhances Nigeria's human capital development through access to world-class education.
- Nigerian students and families gain educational opportunities, while the US benefits from tuition revenue.
- This signals sustained demand for US education despite emerging policy headwinds.
- The timing, amid visa policy shifts, may affect future enrollment trends.
Nigeria's steady climb in US student numbers reflects strong demand, though new policy uncertainties could moderate future growth.
Sources: The Cable, Open Doors Report
