Envoy: 73 Nigerian Students Benefited from US Education Opportunity Fund Programme in 2023

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United States Government has restated its commitment to strengthen continued partnership with Nigeria in the area of quality education.

To this end, it revealed that no fewer than 73 Nigerian students benefited from its financial aid, scholarships and assistantships in 2023.

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Richard Mills, stated this at the US Education 23rd Annual College Fair 2024, held in Abuja, yesterday.

The College Fair provides an opportunity to obtain current information on studying in the United States and to discuss career possibilities.

Mills said the need for quality education was critical the for economic growth of a nation.

He noted that access to quality education was essential for equitable economic growth, improving health indicators, advancing gender equality, and promoting socioeconomic progress, adding that: “A prosperous and stable Nigeria benefits both Nigeria and the United States, and it all starts with education.”

According to the US Ambassador, “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 vibrant culture with your new American friends whose horizons will broaden as a result. “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.”

The envoy added that more Nigerians study in the United States than from any other African country, in which 73 students are supported through the Opportunity Funds Programme.

According to the most recent data, over 970 institutions/50 states and the District of Columbia last year.

He disclosed that: “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 (47.7 billion naira) in financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships were awarded to students advised by EducationUSA Nigeria, with 73 students supported through the Opportunity Funds Program in Abuja and Lagos.”

Last year, the US provided over $30 million (47.7 billion naira) in financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships globally.