The United States has reiterated its commitment to partner with Nigeria in empowering young people as future leaders, innovators, and change-makers driving national development.
This pledge was made by the Public Diplomacy Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Brian Neubert, at the 2025 EducationUSA Fair held in Abuja with the theme “Empowering the Future: Discover American Excellence in Education and Innovation.”
Mr. Neubert explained that studying in the United States goes beyond academics to include cultural exchanges that broaden opportunities for Nigerian students.
“What we have seen over the decades is that many thousands of Nigerians take advantage of overseas opportunities. They come back and work in academia, they come back and work as journalists in media, they certainly come back and work in business,” he said.
He noted that EducationUSA, a longstanding U.S. State Department programme, provides young Nigerians with resources and guidance to secure opportunities in American institutions.
“Not only do we want to help provide opportunities for young Nigerians, but this is also an export for the United States. When Nigerians come to an American campus, they pay tuition, which is good for the American economy and the campus community, because they bring value, knowledge, and their hustle,” Neubert added.
He stressed that Nigerian students often pursue courses in engineering, business, law, and medicine, and many return home to contribute to national development.
Outlining the process of applying to U.S. schools, Neubert emphasised the importance of preparation.
“Plan ahead is critical. It’s absolutely important to plan ahead. If you wait until the last minute, that creates challenges, but if you plan ahead and ask questions, that gives the student the best chance of success,” he advised.
He said the U.S. Embassy provides resources to help students make informed decisions about financing their education and highlighted the availability of scholarships for exceptional students.
“We’re providing resources so that students can make their own decisions of where they want to study and how they want to finance that study. Exceptional students get to have scholarships, and international students, especially from Nigeria, enrich the campus community,” he stated.
Neubert urged participants to stay in touch with EducationUSA counsellors for guidance throughout the application process and to responsibly maintain their visa status while studying in the U.S.
Also speaking, a parent, Mr. Chidi Okorie, praised the fair for giving Nigerian students and families direct interaction with American universities.
“Nigeria cannot do it alone. We need to have some of our students go abroad, get that background and exposure, and come back to replicate it here. What is happening here is good. EducationUSA is doing a great job,” he said.
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network that promotes higher education opportunities in America by providing accurate, comprehensive, and current information about accredited postsecondary institutions, while also helping U.S. universities strengthen their internationalisation goals.
PIAK