=By Funmi Falobi= 

The United States embassy said that it has plans to open four new American Centers in Nigeria in the coming year.

Public Affairs Officer, Russell Brooks disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos at the 2018 Education USA College Fair. According to him, Education USA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 425 international student advising centers in 180 countries, 55 centers in Sub-Saharan Africa and two centers in Nigeria: U.S. Consulate in Lagos and U.S. Embassy in Abuja.

He said that the purpose of the fair is to encourage international students to study in the United States, enhance mutual understanding and provide options for graduates.

“A top priority for us is to support Nigeria in its effort to develop the huge potential of its economy and of its human capital. In order to do that, one leg of our effort is to help enhance educational opportunities for young Nigerians.

 “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.  Many of them are self-financed, but many also received scholarships.  Nigeria is the top sending country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

 “Education USA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 425 international student advising centers in 180 countries, 55 centers in Sub-Saharan Africa, two centers in Nigeria: U.S. Consulate in Lagos and U.S. Embassy in Abuja with plans to open four new American Centers in the coming year,” he said.

 Brooks emphasised that Nigerians would benefit from studying in the United States saying “a degree from a U.S. college or university leads to additional schooling and/or jobs.  International students may seek practical training through the Curriculum Practical training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).”

 He therefore encouraged each student to get to know all the schools represented at the fair and to consider carefully which might be a good fit for them.