The number of Nigerians studying in the United States has reached the highest level in at least 23 years, despite challenges posed by a scarcity of dollars that has increased tuition fees. According to a report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), the number of Nigerian students at U.S. colleges and universities grew by 22.2% to 17,640 in the 2022/23 academic year, up from 14,438 in the previous year. Experts suggest that factors such as uncertainty associated with past elections and strikes by university staff may have contributed to the surge.
Key Points:
- Surge in Nigerian Students in the U.S.:
- Despite a scarcity of dollars making tuition fees more expensive, the number of Nigerians studying in the United States has surged to the highest level in at least 23 years.
- The Institute of International Education (IIE) report indicates a 22.2% increase, with 17,640 Nigerian students in the U.S. during the 2022/23 academic year.
- Factors Contributing to the Increase:
- Experts suggest that factors contributing to the surge may include uncertainty associated with past presidential elections and a strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that led parents to opt for sending their children abroad.
- The digitalization of education has also made studying online more comfortable and accessible.
- Challenges in Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System:
- Challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, including issues of access, quality, funding, strikes by lecturers, cultism, and academic calendar instability, contribute to the appeal of seeking post-secondary education abroad.
- Dollar Scarcity and Economic Challenges:
- Nigeria has faced a severe dollar shortage, impacting various sectors, including education.
- Despite the high cost of foreign exchange (FX), the surge in Nigerian students studying abroad is seen as part of the broader trend of citizens seeking alternatives outside the country.
- Impact on Nigeria’s Economy:
- The surge in students studying abroad is creating a significant skill gap in critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
- Experts emphasize the need for harnessing local competencies and potential measures to bring more foreign exchange to the country.
- Cost of Studying Abroad:
- International students in U.S. universities spend an average of $25,000 to $55,000 per year on tuition fees, significantly higher than the cost of education in many Nigerian universities.
- The high cost, coupled with challenges in Nigeria’s education system, contributes to the preference for studying abroad.
- Concerns and Recommendations:
- Concerns are raised about the impact of a capital outflow from the local economy due to the preference for foreign schools.
- Calls for the overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and electoral reforms to address systemic issues.
- Skilled Workforce Migration:
- A significant number of highly skilled employees in Nigeria plan to quit their jobs and relocate abroad, contributing to the migration of skilled workers.
- The finance, insurance, professional services, and IT sectors are expected to be particularly affected.
- International Student Mobility Data:
- International student mobility data is crucial for higher education professionals in the U.S. seeking to make informed decisions and internationalize their campuses.
- Impact on U.S. Institutions:
- International students, including those from Nigeria, enrich U.S. universities and communities with unique perspectives and experiences.
- Over 100,000 travelers from Nigeria to the U.S. each year contribute to American businesses, colleges, and universities.
Conclusion:
The surge in the number of Nigerians studying in the United States, despite challenges such as a scarcity of dollars and high tuition fees, highlights the complex dynamics influencing individuals’ decisions to seek education abroad. While factors like uncertainty in the home country and strikes in the education sector contribute to the trend, concerns are raised about the potential impact on Nigeria’s workforce and economy. The need for addressing challenges in the domestic education system, implementing electoral reforms, and promoting local competencies is emphasized by experts.
