At the 21st Annual EducationUSA College and Career Fairs held in Abuja and Lagos, U.S. Consul General Will Stevens revealed this.

The students, who were said to be considering the possibility of attending American higher education institutions and studying there, expressed optimism for interacting with people throughout the world.

This year’s EducationUSA College and Career Fair which took place in Abuja and Lagos was organized by the U.S. Mission and featuring visiting representatives from 25 universities and colleges from across the United States.

The Fair was augmented by talks by U.S. experts and Nigerian U.S. university alumni on college admissions and student visa application processes.

Speaking with the students, U.S. Consul General Will Stevens said that America remains a leading destination for international students, noting the United States offers students an unrivaled educational experience, flexibility, and diversity.

According to him, “Over the last two decades, EducationUSA College and Career Fairs have resulted in an increased number of highly qualified Nigerian applicants to U.S. institutions. Nearly 13,000 Nigerians are currently pursuing U.S. graduate and undergraduate degrees across 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities.

“Nigeria sends more students to U.S. colleges and universities than any other country in Africa and is the eleventh largest source country worldwide of international students to the United States. The vast majority of these students, upon graduation, contribute positively to Nigeria’s public and private sectors and civil society when they return”, he said.

Speaking on the theme “Exploring Opportunities Post-Pandemic,” Consul General Stevens noted that the role of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is to facilitate and build connections between the United States and Nigeria. He added that one of the best ways these connections are built, and mutual understanding is fostered, is through educational exchange.

“We are happy to provide Nigerian students who wish to study in the United States a unique opportunity to learn about the diversity of the programs offered at various U.S. educational institutions,” he said.

Meanwhile, the 25 representatives from U.S. universities, including admissions officers from prestigious and diverse institutions like Howard University, Drexel University, Pace University, University of Oregon, Iowa State University, and University of Tennessee, were welcomed by U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission David Greene in Abuja.

The visiting U.S. college admissions officers were joined in both cities by Counselor of Public Affairs Adnan Siddiqi, U.S. Mission EducationUSA advisors, and Nigerian graduates of American universities to discuss the advantages of American education and study abroad and to respond to inquiries about the college admissions process, standardised testing, financial aid, scholarships, and opportunities.