Nigeria has been ranked as the third-largest source of international students worldwide, accounting for about five per cent of global outbound student mobility in 2023, according to a new report by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The finding was contained in UNESCO’s first Higher Education Global Trends Report, which highlights shifting patterns in international education and student migration across the world.

Outbound student mobility refers to the number of students leaving their home countries to pursue higher education abroad.

The report shows that global student migration remains heavily concentrated, with nearly half of all international students originating from just 10 countries.

China leads the list with 37 per cent of outbound students, followed by India with 29 per cent. Nigeria and Germany are jointly placed in third position, each contributing about five per cent of globally mobile students.

Other countries in the top 10 include Viet Nam, Uzbekistan, the United States, France, Pakistan, and Nepal, each accounting for roughly four per cent.

According to UNESCO, international student mobility has grown significantly over the past two decades, rising from 2.5 million students in 2002 to 7.3 million in 2023.

The organisation projects that the number could reach nine million by 2030 if current trends continue.

However, the report notes that access to global education opportunities remains limited, with fewer than three per cent of higher education students worldwide participating in international study programmes.

It describes academic mobility as largely unequal, with opportunities concentrated among a small group of students who can afford to study abroad.

UNESCO also highlighted regional trends, noting that East Asia and the Pacific accounted for 26 per cent of outbound students in 2023, while South and West Asia contributed 21 per cent.

The report attributed global mobility patterns to factors such as economic conditions, the strength of domestic education systems, visa policies, and post-study employment opportunities.

It further observed that many governments are now actively promoting international education, with about 35 per cent of countries setting targets to increase student mobility.

Overall, the report underscores the growing importance of international education while highlighting persistent inequalities in access to global academic opportunities.