Thirty-three Nigerian students have been awarded full scholarships worth $2.92 million (about N3.54 billion) to study at American universities and colleges for the 2024/2025 academic session.

This opportunity was facilitated by the United States Consulate in Lagos through its ‘Opportunity funds programme,’ aimed at providing access to U.S. higher education for highly qualified international students with limited financial resources.

According to reports, over 17,000 Nigerians are currently enrolled in more than 1,000 colleges and universities across the United States.

At a reception in honour of the scholars, the Consul General, Will Stevens, congratulated the students and encouraged them to make the most of the diverse opportunities available at American universities.

Stevens highlighted the rigorous admissions processes they successfully navigated and expressed confidence in their continued academic excellence in the United States.

The scholarship recipients, comprising 10 undergraduates and 23 graduate students, will study a wide range of subjects, including Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Earth and Planetary Sciences, Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, as well as Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.

Among the recipients is Chigozie Odo, who will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. Odo’s doctoral research will focus on immunotherapy, aiming to contribute to lasting cancer treatment solutions.

Odo, who lost his father and sole breadwinner during his second year at the university, lauded the U.S. government for making his dream of studying in the United States a reality.

The Opportunity funds programme, now in its 20th year, emphasises the significance of educational exchange in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the United States and Nigeria.

The financial aid covers various expenses such as standardised tests, application fees, visa and SEVIS fees, alongside air travel to the United States.

Education USA advisers played a crucial role in assisting the students during the application process through regular meetings, seminars, and boot camps.

According to the latest Institute of International Education report, Nigeria sends more students to American colleges and universities than any other African country, and is the seventh largest source of international students in the United States.