US Consul General, Lagos, John Bray congratulates students
by Prisca Sam-Duru
US Consul General, Lagos, John Bray has congratulated students who have been selected to attend U.S. colleges and universities
for the 2017-18 academic session.
John Bray who spoke at a ceremony organised for the students in Lagos, disclosed that "Many of you in this room have received
scholarships to attend prestigious universities like Howard University,
Syracuse University, Drexel University, University of Wisconsin in Madison,
University of Texas at Dallas, Wellesley College, and Rochester Institute of
Technology to pursue a variety of majors, including engineering, public health,
computer science, business, chemistry, and economics both at undergraduate and
graduate levels.
I
would like to recognize our EducationUSA Advising Center here in Lagos, which
has helped thousands of young Nigerians achieve their dreams to study in the
United States. This year alone, students within the Lagos Consulate
District have received numerous scholarships from several U.S. universities
totaling over $2 million and more are still trickling in by the day through the
wonderful work of our EducationUSA advisors.
Of
particular importance to me today is that seven Nigerian students who received
financial aid through our EducationUSA Opportunity Fund were granted full
scholarships by various U.S. universities. These seven students had their
up-front costs of obtaining U.S. admission, including testing, application
fees, and airfare covered by the EducationUSA Opportunity Fund. Five of
them received funding for their Ph.D studies while the other two will be
pursuing undergraduate studies in America. I am confident you will be the next generation
of leaders and scholars, scientists and artists, ensuring the continuity of
Nigeria’s remarkable input in the global community.
According
to the latest Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, Nigeria
has experienced a remarkable increase in the number of students pursuing higher
education in the United States. About 10,674 Nigerians are studying at
more than 730 colleges and universities in the United States, making Nigeria
the leading source of African students in the United States. It is also
noteworthy that Nigeria ranks as the 14th nation worldwide with the most
students in the United States.
I
am pleased to open this orientation program, which will give you some crucial
information on studying in the United States. Please take advantage of
this opportunity that will prepare you to make the most of the U.S. educational
experience. You will receive a wide range of practical advice about U.S.
culture and educational expectations to set you up for success, such as
building positive relationships with professors and peers, time management, and
balancing course workloads with a strong social and community life.
As
you depart for the U.S. in the next few days, remember that you are going to be
representing your country to many people who may never have met an African or a
Nigerian before. I urge you to be exceptional ambassadors for Nigeria and
to take seriously your responsibilities to be good citizens and scholars, just
as I wish you great success in your chosen academic fields and a fulfilling
experience in the United States of America."
