Nigeria On US Travel Ban List: Way Forward and Options 

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the White House released a presidential proclamation announcing full and partial travel restrictions for nationals of certain countries seeking entry into the United States. The announcement understandably raised concerns among prospective international students, particularly those planning to pursue graduate studies in the US.

In response, the Michael Taiwo Scholarships hosted an X Space session on December 17, where our CEO & Founder, Dr. Michael Taiwo, provided clarity on what the proclamation means, who it affects, and how students can navigate this moment wisely.

Below are the key takeaways from that conversation.

• What Was Announced?

The policy released is a presidential proclamation, not an executive order. Proclamations are commonly used in immigration-related matters and are typically outward-facing, focusing on entry into the US rather than changes affecting individuals already within the country.

• Where Does Nigeria Stand?

The proclamation introduces two categories of restrictions: full and partial, with Nigeria listed under the partial travel restriction category. 

This distinction is important, especially considering Nigeria’s population size and the large number of students and professionals seeking educational and career opportunities in the US.

Importantly, the policy is about entry into the US. It does not remove, penalize, or invalidate the legal status of individuals already in the country.

• Who Is Not Affected?

One of the most reassuring clarifications from the session is that many students and professionals are not affected by this proclamation. These include:

• Individuals already in the US through lawful means
• Current visa holders, including F, J, and B1/B2 visas
• Green Card holders
• Students who already have valid visas and are resuming or starting school (including January intakes)
• Individuals on EB-1A and EB-2 NIW visas

Additionally, the proclamation does not affect visa status changes for people who are already legally present in the US, such as students transitioning between programs or immigration statuses.

A Quick Note on Visa Categories

To help avoid confusion, there are two classifications of visa:

• Non-immigrant visas (such as F, J, and B1/B2) are temporary and tied to specific purposes like study or visitation.
• Immigrant visas (such as EB-1A and EB-2 NIW) are employment-based pathways that can lead to permanent residency after meeting certain criteria.

The Bigger Picture: Immigration Is Getting Tougher Everywhere

As Dr. Taiwo emphasized, immigration policies are tightening globally, not just in the US. Students are, therefore, encouraged to remain flexible and seriously consider strong graduate offers in other countries, while continuing to monitor developments in the US.

This proclamation did not emerge in isolation. It builds o a June proclamation and an earlier executive order issued on January 20, which laid the foundation for recent immigration actions.

The Way Forward

While the headlines may sound alarming, this proclamation is not as sweeping as it appears. Current residents and existing visa holders remain protected, and viable study pathways still exist.

At the Michael Taiwo Scholarships, our guidance remains consistent: stay informed, plan strategically, and keep your options open.

This season calls for wisdom, not panic. We remain committed to supporting students as they navigate an increasingly complex global education landscape.