US consulate: Nigeria has highest number of African students in America

The United States mission in Nigeria says there are more students from Nigeria in universities and colleges across America, than those from other African countries.

Susan Tuller, the US mission country consular coordinator, stated this on Tuesday during a meeting with successful applicants at the 2021 student visa day in Lagos.

She also said Nigeria ranks 11th on the list of countries with the highest number of students in the US.

She added that although the COVID-19 pandemic hindered operations at the US embassy and the offices in Abuja and Lagos, respectively, the mission will continue to schedule interviews for all Nigerians with admission to schools in the US.

“Nigeria sends students to study in the United States more than any other country in Africa. With over 13,000 Nigerians studying in the United States, it’s the 11th country for sending international students to America. That’s really huge, so you guys will have lots of friends and acquaintances that come from Nigeria once you get there,” Tuller said.

“Although the pandemic has really affected our ability to provide visa appointments, Mission Nigeria continues to prioritise our students, and we’re on track to be able to offer interviews to every single Nigerian who’s been approved at a US university or college.

“In 2021 alone, between our US embassy in Abuja and the Consulate General in Lagos, we’ve interviewed over 5,000 Nigerian students. And we’ll continue to prioritise our students throughout the summer.”

Tuller encouraged prospective applicants to apply for visas quickly as appointments will be made available through the summer.

“To Nigerians who are out there and have received acceptances from US universities but are yet to book their appointment, I’m here to encourage all of you to quickly make your appointment for your student visa as soon as possible. We have lots of appointments available now and throughout the summer,” the consular coordinator said.

“I also want to encourage you to do it yourself. You don’t need to pay any service provider or travel agency. You can just log on the website yourself and apply for the visa.” 

Some of the successful student visa applicants expressed their joy and the impact they hope to make in Nigeria once they are through with their studies.

An applicant simply identified as Ayo, who was admitted to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to study Special Education, described getting the admission and the visa as the result of hard work. 

“I would explain my emotions in two ways: exciting and fulfilling. It’s fulfilling because it’s not something one would just wake up one day and achieve; it’s something you’ve worked towards for a long while,” she said.

Another applicant who gave his name as Seun, a prospective student of the University of Georgia going for his Masters in Geology and Earth Science, said he hopes to return to the country to lead the exploration of mineral resources. 

“I have got a passion for the mineral sector here in Nigeria. Nigeria is blessed with so many mineral resources and I hope one day to be one of the men leading the mineral exploration here in Nigeria,” he said.

Tamilore, who is heading to the University of Hilton to study electrical engineering, said she seeks to improve the country’s energy sector, “because in Nigeria, my community, we enhance the use of technology and also get the right sources of energy”.