Young Africans are rewriting global narratives. This is the story of 18-year-old Osariemen Unuigbe, an Edo State Nigerian who secured admission into six Ivy League schools, including Harvard and Yale.
In the 2023/2024 academic year, over 20,000 Nigerian students were enrolled in US institutions, according to the Open Doors Report by International Education Exchange. This reflects a growing quest for academic excellence and global exposure among Nigerian youths.
In this blog post, we will explore what it takes for Black and African students to embark on such journeys and thrive.
Build More Than a Resume – Cultivating Global Readiness
Excelling in academics is essential, but grades alone might not secure the global opportunities you desire. As a Nigerian student abroad, building a comprehensive international student profile is crucial to expanding opportunities in your global academic journey.
Osariemen’s success exemplifies well-rounded growth beyond academics. According to a report by Vanguard Newspaper, she was named a 2025 “Rising to the Top” scholar by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter, in recognition of her excellence.
Some lessons from her journey can be drawn and listed below.
- Develop your soft skills.
- Engage in student leadership.
- Participate in extracurricular activities and personal projects such as debate clubs, community leadership, NGO volunteering, sports activities, STEM competitions, and Arts competitions.
Image Source: Freepik
Achieving admission into six Ivy League schools requires good grades. Once you excel academically, these institutions may take an interest in your holistic profile, especially when they foresee your potential for future success. – Olamide, Guest Travelradio.live
Choose the Right Destination – For You
Educational opportunities are diverse. You don’t have to focus solely on Ivy League schools. While they are iconic options, numerous other institutions offer excellent programs. As a Black student, choosing the right university abroad is crucial. There is a range of best study destinations for Nigerians across the UK, Canada, and the US. Before selecting your destination, consider the following questions below.
- Your goals: Which destinations align with your objectives?
- Your values: Do the schools in your chosen destination reflect your values?
- Your lifestyle: Does the lifestyle there suit you? Research Black student experiences in those areas to determine if they align with your expectations and if you can adapt accordingly.
If you’re struggling to find a destination school that suits your goals and values, Travelradio.live is just a call away to guide you.
Use Your Network – From Lagos to New Jersey
Thriving abroad shouldn’t be a solitary journey. You need to find study-abroad connection tips to make your process seamless. You might have a family member or neighbour who has gone through this phase before, speaking with them would be insightful. Some African diaspora networks provide international student support. Find a Nigerian student community abroad.
Below are some platforms to connect with the African student network.
- X (formerly Twitter Spaces) on international education
- Nairaland
- International student WhatsApp groups
- Facebook groups
Would you like to connect with a travel organization to help you with your travel process? Reach out to Travelradio.live.
Secure the Bag – Scholarships, Grants, and Awards
Financing international education can be challenging for Nigerian students, but you don’t have to bear the burden alone. There are numerous scholarships for African students and grants for international students available. With the right approach, you can secure funding to support your aspirations to study abroad. Below are some tips to secure financial funding.
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship search as early as 12–18 months before your intended start date.
- Research Targeted Scholarships: Look into scholarships designed for Black, female, or STEM-focused students.
- Explore Ivy League Opportunities: Investigate Nigerian student’s Ivy League scholarships. Many Ivy League institutions offer generous need-based financial aid to international students.
Dr. Ann Amuta, an influencer and associate professor of public health in the United States, advises students interested in studying abroad to pursue STEM courses as they increase opportunities abroad and facilitate smoother immigration paths.
If you want to school abroad, try to make sure your course of study is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Math). Companies and foreign governments salivate over most STEM graduates. STEM generally increases your earning potential & makes ur immigration path much smoother.
— Dr. Ann Amuta (@amuta_ann) August 12, 2020Below are some scholarships to consider.
- Mastercard Foundation
- Fulbright Scholarship
- Ivy League schools’ need-based aid
Dr Sunday Okafor, a project engineer and PhD graduate of the University of Alabama, shared a tweet highlighting the joy of receiving a scholarship abroad.
The day you taste scholarship money, you will start to understand why school is not a scam. That is just a tip of the iceberg!
— Dr. Sunday Okafor (@Okafor_SC) December 11, 2024
Image Source: Freepik
Lens from a Destination Manager’s Perspective
In an interview with Rhoda, a staff member at U Fit Fly, she shared insights on what it takes to gain admission into Ivy League schools, which are listed below.
- High CGPA
- Well-written Statement of Purpose
- Relevant work experience
- Competitive SAT and TOEFL scores
From her experience, she emphasized that schools in the US place high importance on the Statement of Purpose, and therefore, it should be carefully written.
She also highlighted the basic travel and visa requirements for Nigerian students aiming to study in Ivy League schools in the United States, such as Yale, MIT, and Harvard. The visa required for study in the US is called the F1 visa. Once a candidate secures admission and receives a letter of acceptance, other necessary documents at the visa stage are highlighted below.
- Valid international passport
- Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Passport photograph
- Proof of financial support
- Letter of admission from the university
- Payment receipt for the SEVIS fee
Check out this piece on the U.S.’s updated strict rules for Nigerians.
She noted that genuine documentation is essential for a successful US visa application. She also added that being granted admission does not guarantee a visa, even if all documentation requirements are met. Getting a visa is now more challenging than before.
In conclusion, she said Candidates should expect to spend approximately ₦10 million on tuition fees. However, she noted that some schools in the US do not require payment of enrollment or tuition fees before obtaining a visa, unlike the UK and Canada. Still, once the visa is secured, paying tuition fees before travelling is advisable as it reflects the student’s commitment.
Final Thoughts
The inspiring journey of Osariemen Unuigbe is a testament to the possibilities open to Nigerian students who dream beyond borders. You can also join young Africans redefining success on the global stage with determination and a strong academic profile.
My advice to young Nigerians is to seek opportunities abroad; your global academic journey should reflect more than your resume. It should tell a story of resilience, ambition, and purpose. Take your culture with you, nurture your identity, and let your voice contribute to the African narrative on the world stage. Remember that you are going to thrive, inspire, and lead.
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Also read: Travel Gone Wild: High Tech Tools for Remote and Sustainable Adventures.
