Nigerians have received over $2m U.S. scholarships, says consul general
10,674 Nigerians receiving higher education
OVER $2m has been spent by the United States’ (US) government as scholarships for Nigeria students in the ongoing year through its Education Opportunity Fund, US Consul General, F. John Bray has said.
Bray disclosed this during the 2017 Educationusa Predeparture Orientation programme, organised in honour of seven Nigerian students who are attending various U.S universities this fall.
According to the envoy, “This year alone, students within the Lagos Consulate District have received numerous scholarships from several U.S. universities totalling over $2 million and more are still trickling in through the wonderful work of our Educationusa advisors.
“Of particular importance to me is that seven Nigerian students who received financial aid through our Educationusa Opportunity Fund were granted full scholarships by various U.S. universities. These students had their up-front costs of obtaining U .S. admission, including testing, application fees, and airfare covered by the Fund. Five of them received funding for their doctoral studies while the other two will be pursuing undergraduate studies. I am confident y ou will be the next generation of leaders and scholars, scientists and artists, ensuring the continuity of Nigeria’s remarkable input in the global community.”
Bray stated that the recipients will attend prestigious universities like Howard, Syracuse, Drexel, University of Wisconsin in Madison, University of Texas at Dallas, Wellesley College, and Rochester Institute of Technology to pursue a variety of majors, including engineering, public health, computer science, business, chemistry, and economics both at undergraduate and graduate levels.
On the number of Nigerians currently studying in the US, Bray said, “According to the latest Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, Nigeria has experienced a remarkable increase in the number of students pursuing higher education in the US. About 10,674 Nigerians are studying at more than 730 colleges and universities , making Nigeria the leading source of African students in the United States. It is also noteworthy that Nigeria ranks as the 14th nation worldwide with the most students in the United States.”
To the scholars, he said, “As you depart for the US soon, remember that you are going to be representing your country to many people who may never have met an African or a Nigerian before. I urge you to be exceptional ambassadors for Nigeria and to take seriously your responsibilities to be good citizens and scholars.