…as 43 American varsities, colleges organise education fair in Lagos
More than 11,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in universities and other higher institutions of learning across the United States of America.
The Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate General, Mr. Russell Brooks, who disclosed this said the 11, 000 Nigerian students in the US were part of the over one million international students who applied to the universities and colleges in the country.
Brooks spoke at the 19th annual Education USA College Fair held at the Supreme Education Foundation, Magodo, Lagos, recently. Representatives of about 43 American universities and colleges were at the fair to offer guidance to Nigerian students on the admissions process and scholarship opportunities available.
The US consulate general public affairs officer said that the fair was targeted at international students to create a mutual understanding and provide options for studying abroad.
Brooks said, “There are 43 US higher education institutions represented here, and I hope you students will have a chance to consider each of them. This is a record number of participating U.S. educational institutions, and we thank them all for coming to explore opportunities in Nigeria.”
“The purpose of this fair is straightforward, to encourage international students to study in the United States, enhance mutual understanding, to provide options for graduates. Nigerians will benefit from studying in the United States. A degree from a U.S. college or university leads to additional schooling and/or jobs and to promote educational diversity.
“Over one million international students choose to study in the U.S. every year. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE) Open Doors Report, over 11,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the United States.”
He, therefore, urged Nigerian students to take advantage of the fair as an important step towards a great future.
“I encourage each student here to get to know all the schools represented at the College fair and to consider carefully which might be a good fit for you. These are your first steps toward great experiences that will help you positively impact the future of Nigeria, Africa and the world,” Brooks added.
Some American schools represented at the fair included the George Washington University, Drexel University, Bucks County Community College, Drew university, New York University, Illinois Institute of Technology , Calvin College, University of South Alabama, University of California Bakersfield and Bryant University.
According to the Chief Branch Washington, Mr. Alfred Balls, Nigerians were the 12th biggest number of international students studying in the United States.
He enjoined students to take advantage of the fair to get a better offer of being internationally inclined as the US was ready to accommodate them.
Balls said, “We implore you to be part of this fair, where so many colleges from the United States are represented here. This is an opportunity for you to get to know them and see the many options you have in studying in the United States. There is a campaign being waged by the US colleges, You Are Welcome Here campaign. Education USA is very happy to support it because US colleges and universities are sending a strong message across the world. Students from Nigeria are the 12th biggest number of students studying in the United States. We are excited to see you here.
“We welcome Nigerian students. There has never been a better time for them to come and study in the United States. We would provide them with the skills needed to perform in their country.”
