Assessing the future of African student mobility

Insights from forecasting models on international education dynamics

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/zyemcx95

Keywords:

African students’ mobility, Forecasting models, Global education dynamics, Statistical models, Deep learning in education, Ensemble methods

Abstract

The global education landscape is transforming, with African nations playing a key role in international academic exchanges. However, future trends in African student mobility remain unclear. This study employs statistical, deep learning, and ensemble forecasting models to analyze migration patterns across regions: Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America and Western Europe, South and West Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Arab States. Historical data reveals regional variations, with North America and Western Europe as top destinations, while East Asia, the Pacific, and the Arab States see rising enrollments. Intra-regional mobility within Sub-Saharan Africa highlights regional academic collaborations. These insights help institutions and policymakers anticipate trends, refine recruitment strategies, and enhance access to global education for African students, fostering knowledge exchange, skill development, and international collaboration.

Author Biographies

  • Samuel Shikaa, Taraba State University, Nigeria

    Samuel Shikaa, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria. His research interests include mathematical modeling of population dynamics, fractional calculus, bioinspired algorithms, and machine learning algorithms. He is dedicated to mentorship and faculty development, particularly in AI adoption across teaching, learning, and research. He has published several research papers in prestigious journals in his field of expertise. He has also successfully obtained several research grants from funding agencies, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other international organizations, such as EduCollab in Accra, Ghana. Email: shiksmen@gmail.com

  • Chinwe Peace Igiri, Mountain Top University, Nigeria

    Chinwe Peace Igiri, Ph.D., is a Senior Computer Science and Mathematics/Information and Communication Technology Senior Lecturer at Mountain Top University, Nigeria, and Cavendish University, Uganda. Her research focuses on academic literacies, academic integrity, higher education research, and multiculturalism. She is particularly interested in the experiences of international and multicultural student populations and is committed to advancing inclusive and ethical practices in global higher education. Email: chynkemdirim@gmail.com

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Published

2026-04-29

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Vol. 16 No. 14 (2026): Journal of International Students

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Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Shikaa, S., & Igiri, C. P. . (2026). Assessing the future of African student mobility: Insights from forecasting models on international education dynamics. Journal of International Students, 16(14), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.32674/zyemcx95