From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has said the United States was investing in Nigerian students so that they could help deepen connections and ties between both countries.
Mills, who spoke during the ‘Education USA 23rd Annual College Fair’ in Abuja, also said it was the hope of the United States that upon their return to Nigeria, the students would help to build a more prosperous and secure Nigeria.
“We are here because the United States wants to invest in Nigeria’s greatest assets, the young people. And we want to see many Nigerian students come to America to study, deepen our connections and ties and return to Nigeria to help build a more prosperous and secure Nigeria.
“So, that is why we are here today, hosting this educational fair and I am really thrilled that we had over 50 different American universities and colleges here today to talk to Nigerian students who are interested in studying at the graduate and undergraduate levels in America,” he said.
Some of the schools that participated in the fair were the University of Buffalo; the Chicago School of Professional Psychology; San Jose State University; Spelman College, Atlanta; Pacific Oaks College, California; University of Bridgeport; and the University of Arizona.
Also present were the New York Institute of Technology; Ball State University; the University of Nebraska, Omaha; University at Albany State University of New York; Tulane University and New Orleans, Louisiana, among others.
Speaking further, Mills said over 17,000 Nigerian students were already studying in the United States in over 900 different universities across the country. “And we like to have even more,” he added.
Asked if Nigerians should look out for more educational opportunities from the United States, in view of the current economic situation in the country, Mills said the United States had hopes that the scholarships and the systems that American universities could provide would help more Nigerian students to the United States.
He also said the United States has an opportunity fund, disclosing that through the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, in 2023, 73 Nigerian students were helped by the United States Government, who otherwise, would not have been able to afford their education in the United States.
Mills expressed hope that the United States would help more students from Nigeria to study in the United States.
Earlier, while addressing the audience, Mills said it was wonderful to see the flourishing interest from Nigerians considering studying in the United States and from the representatives of the United States colleges and universities who travelled to Nigeria to meet with prospective students.
“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 in over 970 institutions in all the 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 US institutions and boosted financial aid and scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students. Last year, over $30 million (N47.7 billion) in financial aid, scholarships and assistantships were awarded to students advised by EducationUSA Nigeria, with 73 students supported through the Opportunity Funds Programme in Abuja and Lagos.
“Many of those students attend a diverse range of institutions in the United States, from small liberal arts colleges to large state universities. Today, we have assembled an equally diverse group. Representatives from the 50 US colleges and universities are here, and we are thrilled you made the trip. Those of us who live here are well acquainted with the talent, intellect and energy of Nigerian students.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership in 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. You will experience the tapestry of American culture, and hopefully, get to understand us as Americans better. And you will share your country’s rich and vibrant culture with your new American friends whose horizons will broaden as a result,” Mills stated.
