The United States Embassy in Nigeria says the security situation in some parts of the country has prevented it from opening a consulate in Kano as part of efforts to provide an extra outlet for its visa applicants in Nigeria. But, the country has however promised to open the consulate as soon as the security situation improves and the safety of its staff can be guaranteed.

The Information Officer of the US Embassy in Abuja, Ms. Rhonda Ferguson - Augustus said yesterday at a briefing to address visa issues: "There has been some uncertainty and we have to be sure our people would be safe," she said, urging Nigerians interested in studying in the US to take advantage of the services offered by EducationUSA which provides information and assistances on study in the US.

The Head of Consular Section at the embassy, Ms. Carol Cox disclosed that visa applications from Nigerians have gone up by 45 percent in the last one year. Although she did not provide a specific figure for the number of applications, Cox said at least 100,000 Nigerians applied and majority got their visas.

"By the end of our fiscal year which is October to the end of September, we expect about 60,000 applicants in Abuja and about 100,000 in Lagos. Nigerians are keeping us busy," she said.