73 Nigerian Students Benefited from U.S. Opportunity Fund in 2023 Reveals Envoy

 The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has announced that 73 Nigerian students benefited from the U.S. Opportunity Fund Programme in 2023, receiving financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships to pursue higher education in the United States. Mills revealed this during the 23rd Annual EducationUSA College Fair held in Abuja on September 17, 2024.

According to Ambassador Mills, Nigeria leads all African nations in the number of students studying in the U.S., with over 17,600 Nigerians enrolled in more than 970 American institutions across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Texas remains the most popular destination for Nigerian students.

The ambassador highlighted that in 2023, the U.S. government provided over $30 million (₦47.7 billion) in financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships worldwide, with the Opportunity Funds Programme supporting 73 Nigerian students from Abuja and Lagos. These students, who otherwise would not have been able to afford U.S. education, were granted access to study in the United States.

Ambassador Mills emphasized the importance of access to quality education for fostering equitable economic growth, improving health outcomes, advancing gender equality, and promoting socioeconomic development. He reiterated that investing in Nigeria’s youth is crucial for building a prosperous and stable nation, which benefits both Nigeria and the U.S.

The EducationUSA College Fair featured over 50 American universities and colleges that engaged with Nigerian students interested in pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in the U.S. The envoy expressed optimism that more Nigerian students would access educational opportunities in America, helping to deepen ties between both countries.