The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Abuja and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos recently, hosted pre-departure orientations for several hundreds of Nigerian students who will soon depart for study in the United States.
A statement made available to newsmen on Monday by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, said: “Approximately 700 students are benefiting this year from the U.S. Mission’s EducationUSA advising services in Nigeria, including 73 Opportunity Funds recipients.
“EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State-supported network of over 430 international student advising centers across the world that provide information and guidance on the U.S. higher education admissions process.”
It noted that the EducationUSA’s Opportunity Funds Program assists highly qualified students, who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities, but lack the financial means to cover their pre-U.S. arrival costs such as application fees, test fees, and international airfare.
“Last year, over 14,000 Nigerian students were enrolled in over 1,000 U.S. higher education institutions. Worldwide, Nigeria is the 10th largest contributor of foreign students to the United States, the statement added.
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Rolf Olson, Counselor for Public Affairs, Adnan Siddiqi, and Lagos Public Affairs Officer, Joseph Kruzich, congratulated the students and wished them well.
In Abuja, Olson expressed optimism that the students will “enhance Nigerian infrastructure and society as future doctors, entrepreneurs, engineers, politicians, and so much more,” and that they will share their knowledge and skills with their communities in Nigeria upon their return.
The statement said that “In Lagos, Mr. Kruzich urged the students to “take advantage of all the opportunities American universities have to offer and become actively involved in the many organizations and clubs that will enrich your experience as a foreign student.”
For more information on opportunities to study in the United States, visit https://ng.usembassy.gov/education/ the statement added.
