The United States Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Russell Brooks has disclosed that Nigeria is the top sending country to the US universities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking during the EducationUSA Annual College Fair in Lagos on Monday, September 25, Mr Brooks quoted the Institute of International Education (IIE) Open Doors Report of saying that over 11,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the United States.

He said many of the students are self-financed, while many also received scholarships.

Brooks explained that EducationUSA is the official source for information on U.S. higher education which promotes U.S. higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited post-secondary institutions in the United States.

He said the purpose of the fair is to encourage international students to study in the United States, enhance mutual understanding of people – to – people exchanges, among others.

The United States Consulate Public Affairs Officer said Nigerians will benefit from studying in the United States as a degree from a U.S. college or university leads to additional schooling and/or jobs, adding that international students may seek practical training through the Curriculum Practical training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Over 43 U.S. higher education institutions were represented at the fair.

The event attracted students and parents from top private schools in Lagos.