Nigerian Education Minister Claims Fewer Students Abroad

Minister of Education Tunji Alausa stated that the number of Nigerian students seeking education abroad has sharply declined, attributing this trend to improvements in the country's academic calendar and increased investment in local institutions. During an interview on Channel Television, Alausa claimed that reforms in the education sector are yielding results, making Nigerian universities capable of meeting students' academic needs without the necessity of studying overseas.

He noted that state government funding interventions in tertiary education have strengthened learning conditions across campuses, contributing to a steady academic calendar that reduces disruptions. However, contrary to the minister's claims, UNESCO data indicates that the number of Nigerian students studying abroad has nearly doubled in recent years, rising by 98 percent to approximately 142,000 for the 2023-2024 academic cycle, with the United States and the United Kingdom remaining top destinations.

Analysts link this trend to economic pressures, including the depreciation of the naira, which has made foreign education significantly more expensive.