Nigeria has emerged as the third-largest source of international students globally, according to a new report released by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The report revealed that Nigeria accounted for five per cent of the world’s outbound student mobility in 2023, placing the country behind only China and India.
The findings were published in UNESCO’s first Higher Education Global Trends Report released on Tuesday.
Outbound student mobility refers to students who leave their home countries to study abroad.
China and India Lead Global Student Mobility
According to the report, China remained the largest source of international students globally, contributing 37 per cent of total outbound students.
India followed with 29 per cent, while Nigeria and Germany each accounted for five per cent of global international student mobility.
Other countries listed among the top 10 include Viet Nam, Uzbekistan, the United States, France, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Full List of Top Countries for Students Studying Abroad
- China — 37%
- India — 29%
- Nigeria — 5%
- Germany — 5%
- Viet Nam — 4%
- Uzbekistan — 4%
- United States — 4%
- France — 4%
- Pakistan — 4%
- Nepal — 4%
UNESCO noted that these countries collectively accounted for 45 per cent of total outbound student mobility worldwide in 2023.
UNESCO Says Global Student Mobility Is Increasing
The organisation stated that international student mobility has continued to grow despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to UNESCO, the number of students studying abroad nearly tripled over the past two decades.
The figure increased from 2.5 million in 2002 to 7.3 million in 2023.
UNESCO also projected that the number could rise to nine million by 2030 as more students seek international education opportunities.
The report explained that several factors continue to drive student mobility globally, including:
- Quality of higher education systems
- Better career opportunities
- Visa and immigration policies
- Government scholarship programmes
- Economic conditions
- Post-graduation work opportunities
UNESCO Describes International Education as Elitist
Despite the increase in global mobility, UNESCO said studying abroad remains accessible to only a small percentage of students worldwide.
The organisation stated that less than three per cent of higher education students globally currently benefit from international academic mobility.
According to the report, international education still largely favours privileged students who can afford the financial demands of studying abroad.
UNESCO added that many governments are now introducing policies to encourage more students to study overseas.
The report revealed that about 35 per cent of countries now have official targets aimed at increasing outbound student mobility.
Nigeria’s Growing Interest in International Education
Nigeria’s position among the top countries for students studying abroad reflects the growing demand for foreign education among Nigerian youths.
Many Nigerian students continue to seek admission into universities in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia due to factors including academic opportunities, global exposure, and better learning facilities.
Education experts have also linked the trend to challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education system, including strikes, limited admission spaces, and infrastructure concerns.
The latest UNESCO report highlights Nigeria’s increasing role in global higher education mobility as more students pursue academic opportunities outside the country.
