The number of Nigerian students receiving UK student visas rose dramatically in 2022, increasing by 686 percent from 17,973 to 65,929, making the United Kingdom the top destination for Nigerian students to study abroad.
The number of Nigerian students receiving UK student visas rose dramatically in 2022, increasing by 686 percent from 17,973 to 65,929, making the United Kingdom the top destination for Nigerian students to study abroad.
United Kingdom has seen an eight-fold increase in the number of Nigerians granted sponsored study visas In the last four years, according to new official immigration data.
According to Brian Wilson, former programs director at the British Council, over 18,000 Nigerian students have chosen to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Britain since his time with the organization.
The number of Nigerian students receiving UK student visas rose dramatically in 2022, increasing by 686 percent from 17,973 to 65,929, making the United Kingdom the top destination for Nigerian students to study abroad.
The British government reported that Bangladeshi nationals saw the largest increase in grants among the top five nations granted sponsored study visas as it increased from 1,745 to 15,277, while Nigerian nationals followed closely behind.
Former Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi estimated in a public lecture in 2019 that around 71,000 Nigerian students are studying abroad. He added that these students were paying an estimated $1 billion annually for tuition and upkeep.
Iain Steward, a member of the British Parliament, predicted in 2016 that around 30,000 Nigerian students would be studying in United Kingdom universities by 2020. Recent UNESCO reports suggested an even greater surge in foreign education for Nigerians.
The number of Nigerian students enrolling in higher education institutions in the United States also rose sharply this year. Open Doors Report showed a 12.3% increase in Nigerians enrolled for the 2021-22 academic year compared to the previous session.
