As Nigerians continue to make significant strides in their academic pursuits abroad, young Miss Osariemen Unuigbe, 18, born to Nigerian immigrants in the United States, has become a source of pride for the nation as she earned admission offered from six Ivy League Colleges, thanks to her outstanding academic accomplishments.
Unuigbe, the daughter of Dr. Augustine Unuigbe and Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Unuigbe, originally from Edo State in Nigeria, attributed the recognition to her dedication and excellent academic track record.
“We are elated, surprised, but absolutely delighted. We can only give all the glory to God for this great miracle,” her family remarked.
Currently a senior at Egg Harbor Township High School in New Jersey, Miss Unuigbe boasts a strong academic background and an unwavering commitment to advanced studies.
She was accepted into prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Columbia, the University of Pennsylvania, Duke, Spelman, and Rutgers.
She was also accepted into the highly selective Governor’s School of New Jersey and has held several leadership positions. Beyond academics, she plays lacrosse and has a passion for dancing, painting, and drawing.
In recognition of her achievements, she has been selected as a 2025 “Rising to the Top” scholar by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Southern New Jersey Chapter.
According to the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, enrollment of Nigerian students at US colleges and universities rose to 20,029 in the 2023/2024 academic year, marking a 13.5 per cent increase from previous years.
The report noted that, “Nigerian students bring a wealth of diversity, perspective, and academic excellence to U.S. campuses, enriching the educational experience for all.”
