Remarks by US Public Affairs Officer Russell Brooks at 2018 EducationUSA Fair

Welcome to the 19th Annual EducationUSA College Fair. We’re excited to host this event with our partner the Supreme Education Foundation.  Thank you students and parents, educators and college representatives for attending – I hope that you will all benefit from this opportunity!

First, let me mention a few things about the U.S. Mission to Nigeria. 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.

This fair exemplifies a major part of that effort. There are 43 U.S. higher education institutions represented here, and I hope you students will have a chance to consider each of them. This is a record number of participating U.S. educational institutions, and we thank them all for coming to explore opportunities in Nigeria.

Now, let me say a few words about the office that organized this fair, EducationUSA, which is one of many the U.S. Department of State operates around the world.

EducationUSA 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.

EducationUSA is the official source for information on U.S. higher education. It 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.

The purpose of this fair is straightforward: To encourage international students to study in the United States. Enhance mutual understanding: people – to – people exchanges are an important component of strengthening our relations with the global community. To provide options for graduates. Nigerians will benefit from studying in the United States.  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).

To promote educational diversity: Over 1 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.

To promote educational variety: The U.S. has more than 4,500 accredited institutions and offers everything from 2 year Associate degrees to 4 year bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees.

To showcase excellent colleges and universities: American Universities are consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. Study in the United States means a quality education.

Having mentioned some of our objectives here at the 2018 EducationUSA College Fair, and having mentioned some of the benefits of study in the United States, I would like to add one final note: I encourage each student here to get to know all the schools represented at the fair and to consider carefully which might be a good fit for you.  If possible, I suggest you each also attend the breakout sessions later in the day to learn about student visas and steps to applying to the U.S.

Thank you very much for attending the fair, thank you for your attention, and I wish you the best of luck with your search for the best possible education institution for you – these are your first steps toward great experiences that will help you positively impact the future of Nigeria, Africa and the world.