New Telegraph-Admin 
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr. has said N47.7 billion was spent on providing financial aid and other educational support programmes to Nigerian students studying in the United States in 2023 alone.
Speaking at the 23rd Annual College Fair 2024 yesterday in Abuja, Mills Jr. also disclosed that over 17,600 Nigerian students secured admission and were studying in over 970 institutions in the year 2023 as well.
While revealing that the state where most Nigerians gained admission out of 50 states and District of Columbia in 2023 was Texas, the U.S envoy noted that its annual college fairs have helped in significantly increasing the number of Nigerians applying to study in the United States. He said: “Your presence here represents the strong people-to-people ties between the United States and Nigeria.
It is wonderful to see the flourishing interest from Nigerians considering studying in the United States and from the representatives of US colleges and universities who travel 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 at over 970 institutions in all 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 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 Nigeria’s students.
“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.”
