Brain Drain: Nigeria now third biggest exporter of international students

Nigeria has become the third-largest country in the world for students studying abroad, according to a new report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The report, released on Tuesday, showed that Nigeria accounted for five per cent of all international students worldwide in 2023.

China and India remained the top two countries with the highest number of students studying abroad. China accounted for 37 per cent, while India recorded 29 per cent.

Nigeria shared third position with Germany, both recording five per cent. Other countries on the list include Viet Nam, Uzbekistan, the United States, France, Pakistan, and Nepal, each with four per cent.

Top 10 Countries for Students Studying Abroad in 2023

China — 37%

India — 29%

Nigeria — 5%

Germany — 5%

Viet Nam — 4%

Uzbekistan — 4%

United States — 4%

France — 4%

Pakistan — 4%

Nepal — 4%

UNESCO said the top 10 countries made up 45 per cent of all international students globally in 2023.

The organisation also noted that the number of students studying abroad has continued to increase despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the report, the number of international students worldwide increased from 2.5 million in 2002 to 7.3 million in 2023. UNESCO added that the figure could rise to nine million by 2030.

However, UNESCO said studying abroad is still mostly for privileged people, as less than three per cent of higher education students globally have access to international education opportunities.

The report added that factors such as economic conditions, the quality of local universities, visa policies, government support, and work opportunities after graduation influence students’ decisions to study abroad.

UNESCO further revealed that many governments are now encouraging international education, with 35 per cent of countries setting targets to increase the number of students studying abroad.