Thirty-three Nigerian students have been awarded full scholarships worth $2.92 million to attend universities and colleges in the United States for the 2024/2025 academic session.
These scholarships were granted through the Opportunity Funds Programme of the United States Consulate General in Lagos.
The programme aims to help highly qualified international students with limited financial resources gain access to higher education in the U.S. The recipients include ten undergraduate and twenty-three graduate students who will study various fields such as biomedical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, earth and planetary sciences, organic and medicinal chemistry, and civil, construction, and environmental engineering.
“The 33 departing students will be studying a variety of subjects,” the U.S. Consulate announced in a statement on Wednesday. The students received financial aid covering expenses such as standardized tests, application fees, U.S. visa and SEVIS fees, and air travel to the U.S. EducationUSA advisers supported the students with regularly scheduled meetings, seminars, and boot camps throughout the application process.
Related Stories
- Nigerian Primary School Pupil Awarded N21 Million Scholarship for Scoring 100% in National Mathematics Competition
- Adamawa Governor Declares Free University Education for High-Scoring Female Students With 9 Credits in WAEC
At a reception in Lagos honoring the students, Consul General Will Stevens encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunities at American universities and participate actively in the various organizations and clubs available to enrich their experience as international students.
“This Fall, you will join the over 17,000 Nigerian students studying in the United States. You have successfully navigated the daunting U.S. college and university admissions process, and we are so excited for your future. You have excelled in Nigeria, and I have no doubt that you will continue that path of academic excellence,” Stevens said.
Among the scholarship recipients is Chigozie Odo, who received full funding for a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. His research will focus on immunotherapy to develop lasting solutions for cancer treatment. Odo, who lost his father and the family’s sole breadwinner during his second year at university, expressed his gratitude to the U.S. government for the support provided through the Opportunity Funds Programme.
“My dream of studying in the United States, which seemed impossible, is now a reality,” Odo said.
This scholarship programme highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen educational ties between Nigeria and the United States, providing Nigerian students with opportunities to achieve academic success and contribute to global advancements in various fields.