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U.S. varsities woo Nigerian students with scholarships, incentives

By Iyabo Lawal
04 October 2018   |   2:21 am
Top universities in the United States are currently shopping for Nigerian students as part of efforts to provide options for graduates as well as promote educational diversity.

Top universities in the United States are currently shopping for Nigerian students as part of efforts to provide options for graduates as well as promote educational diversity.

About 43 universities recently participated in the 19th Annual EducationUSA College Fair held at the Supreme Education Foundation, Magodo, Lagos.U.S Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Russell Brooks in his remarks said the United States government is poised to develop the huge potential of the nation’s economy and its human capital.

To accomplish this, he disclosed that the U.S is poised to enhance educational opportunities for young Nigerians. Already, Brooks disclosed that over 11,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the United States, adding, “many of them are self-financed, but many also received scholarships. Nigeria is the top sending country in Africa.”

“This fair exemplifies a major part of that effort. There are 43 U.S. 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.
Brooks added that the U.S. has more than 4,500 accredited institutions, which would enhance access to jobs.

“Schooling in the US would enhance mutual understanding, that is people to people exchanges which are an important component of strengthening our relations with the global community.

“It will also provide options for graduates. Nigerians will benefit from studying in the United States.  A degree from a US college or university leads to additional schooling or jobs.  International students may seek practical training through the curriculum practical training and the Optional Practical Training. Also, all this is to promote educational variety because the U.S. has more than 4,500 accredited institutions and offers everything from two-year associate degrees to four-year bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees.”

EducationUSA is a US Department of State network of over 425 international student advising centres in 180 countries, 55 centres in Sub-Saharan Africa, two centres in Nigeria; at the US Consulate in Lagos and US Embassy in Abuja.

On his part, Alfred Ball, EducationUSA Branch chief, U.S Department of State said ‘You are welcome campaign’ was recently launched to reassure international students and show how important they place emphasis on international education.He said,” Our students would get to know the world and learn about Africa, Nigeria and Lagos while Nigerian students will come back with different perspectives from the United States. Our colleges focus on individual and professional successes, and development of an individual. EducationUSA is focused on individual successes.

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