Lagos, Nigeria — Thirty-three exceptional Nigerian students have been awarded full scholarships worth $2.92 million for the 2024/2025 academic year at various prestigious American universities and colleges. This significant achievement was made possible through the Opportunity Funds Program of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, which aims to provide access to higher education in the U.S. for talented students with limited financial resources.
At a celebratory reception in Lagos, Consul General Will Stevens commended the scholars for their remarkable achievement. He praised their successful admissions to esteemed U.S. institutions and encouraged them to seize every opportunity available, including participating in various organizations and clubs to enrich their academic and cultural experiences.
“You will join the over 17,000 Nigerian students studying in the United States this Fall. 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,” Consul General Stevens stated.
Among the scholarship recipients is Chigozie Paul Odo, who secured full funding for a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of South Carolina. Odo’s research will focus on immuno-therapy, aiming to make significant advancements in cancer treatment. Reflecting on his journey, Odo, who lost his father during his second year at university, expressed profound gratitude for the Opportunity Funds Program. “My dream of studying in the United States, which seemed impossible, is now a reality,” he said.
The cohort of 33 students includes 10 undergraduates and 23 graduate students, who will be pursuing studies in diverse fields such as biomedical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering, and organic chemistry, among others. The scholarships cover all application-related costs, including standardized tests, application fees, U.S. visa and SEVIS fees, and travel expenses.
EducationUSA advisers played a pivotal role in supporting the students throughout the application process, providing guidance through regular meetings, seminars, and intensive boot camps. The Opportunity Funds Program underscores the U.S. Mission’s commitment to offering economically disadvantaged but talented students the opportunity to experience higher education in the United States.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Opportunity Funds Program highlights the importance of educational exchange in fostering mutual understanding and strengthening U.S.-Nigeria relations. According to the latest Institute of International Education Open Doors Report, Nigeria is the largest source of African students in the U.S. and ranks seventh globally for the number of international students studying in the country, with over 17,000 Nigerians currently enrolled at more than 1,000 American colleges and universities.
Credit: Punch Metro
