The UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF) and the United Kingdom Global University Application Portal (UAPP) have partnered to provide financial support to Nigerian students seeking higher education abroad.
The announcement was made during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja, where Prince Abdulsalam Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of UNESCO REF, explained that the partnership also involves the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) under UNESCO REF’s Strategic Intervention Programme – ALPHA (SIP–ALPHA), Categories 2 and 15.
As part of the pilot phase, Police Secondary Schools have been chosen to lead the initiative, which will expand to other parts of the country in September. Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan said the partnership complements existing student funding programmes and is aimed at removing financial barriers for Nigerians seeking admission to universities abroad.
The programme currently has partnerships with over 250 universities worldwide, providing a broad range of opportunities for beneficiaries. Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan described the initiative as a pathway to “transform ambition into opportunity, and opportunity into achievement,” with the creation of a landmark Educational Financing Facility to support students pursuing international education.
He emphasised that the collaboration between UNESCO REF and UAPP not only facilitates global university applications but also provides the financial support necessary to make these opportunities attainable. The initiative seeks to dismantle barriers, democratise access, and create a framework where ambition is matched with resources.
The event, themed “Enhancing the Renewed Hope Agenda on Education in Nigeria,” highlighted the role of education in national renewal, social stability, and global competitiveness. The programme is open to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral candidates, regardless of their current institution. Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan stressed that financial constraints should no longer prevent talented Nigerian students from pursuing higher education abroad.
He also paid tribute to Dr Elizabeth Egbetokun, National President of POWA, for her leadership and advocacy, which were central to the partnership. Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would welcome the initiative, noting that it complements the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in providing accessible and affordable student loans.
Additionally, Lichfield Partners and Associates LLC will oversee the creation of a complementary loan repayment platform, integrating financial literacy, entrepreneurial training, and career guidance to ensure repayment is structured and empowering.
Dr Elizabeth Egbetokun said the initiative reflects a commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and will be piloted in Police Secondary Schools before expanding nationwide, ensuring all students have access to higher education and global opportunities.
UAPP CEO Md Shamim added that the portal will facilitate structured access to UK universities, offering low-interest student loans with flexible repayment options, particularly for programmes aligned with Nigeria’s workforce needs.