The United States Mission in Nigeria has opened applications for the 2026 cohort of the EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Programme, inviting qualified Nigerian students seeminglyhigher education opportunities in the US to apply.

The application window, as seen by PUNCH Online on Monday, is open from June 15 and will close on June 30, 2026, according to a notice published by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

The programme, coordinated by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission through EducationUSA Nigeria, is designed to assist academically outstanding Nigerian students with leadership potential in pursuing higher education in the United States.

According to the mission, the initiative supports access to U.S. higher education while advancing “American leadership, commercial diplomacy, and the shared economic interests of the United States and Nigeria.”

It added that the 2026 cohort aligns with the Freedom 250 celebration, marking 250 years of American leadership, innovation and democratic values.

The statement read, “Freedom250 marks 250 years of American leadership, innovation, and democratic values, and the OFP 2026 cohort will advance these priorities by preparing globally competitive talents aligned with U.S. economic and strategic interests.”

The mission said the programme also reinforces U.S. priorities on “secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation” in American higher education institutions.

It stated, “The program reinforces U.S. priorities on secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation of U.S. higher education systems, ensuring participants k and uphold the proper use of student visas and full compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.”

Priority consideration, according to the statement, will be given to high-performing students pursuing fields that align with U.S. strategic interests.

It noted, “Priority consideration will be given to the highest-performing students whose academic profiles and career trajectories align with U.S. strategic interests in STEM, AI, and critical emerging technologies.”

The Opportunity Fund Programme provides financial support for essential upfront application costs, including standardised testing fees, application fees and other related expenses.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, a clear intention to pursue post-secondary education in the United States, notable achievements, research capability, and a commitment to visa compliance and responsible participation in U.S. exchange programmes.

The statement further stressed that participants would be expected to maintain high ethical standards throughout the programme.

It said, “Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and accountability, including adherence to all U.S. visa regulations.

Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, academic records, a personal statement, evidence of achievements, leadership and research capability, as well as other supporting documents before the June 30 deadline.

Apply here: EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) 2026 – U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria. (The PUNCH)

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