The UNESCO REF – Educational Financial Facility Scheme (EFFS) is a strategic initiative dedicated to enabling Nigerians who, due to financial constraints, aspire to earn accredited international credentials, including professional certifications, undergraduate degrees, master’s programmes, and Ph.D. qualifications.
Operating under the Strategic Intervention Programme – ALPHA Category 2, EFFS complements the Federal Government of Nigeria’s domestic education loan scheme, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which supports Nigerians studying in local institutions.
By contrast, EFFS focuses exclusively on international study pathways. It is designed to serve financially constrained Nigerians by providing:
– A structured study‑loan mechanism
– Access to scholarship opportunities
– Tuition‑reduction arrangements** through institutional partnerships
– Administrative processing
– University placement support delivered through partner organizations
– Pre‑departure capacity‑building programmes
Together, these elements broaden access to international education and empower Nigerians to achieve their global academic and professional aspirations.
Vision Statement
EFFS: Opening doors for financially constrained Nigerians to pursue international education through loans, scholarships, and tuition support.
Leadership Direction
As Support Students Lead, Prof. Veronica Obatolu embodies this mission by guiding the scheme’s commitment to equity and opportunity. Her leadership ensures that Nigerians with global academic ambitions, whether in professional certifications, undergraduate studies, master’s programmes, or doctoral research, can access the financial instruments and institutional partnerships that make international education attainable.
Through her stewardship, EFFS strengthens its role as a strategic intervention, delivering structured financial support and facilitating partner‑driven services that reduce barriers to global learning. Prof. Obatolu’s work underscores UNESCO REF’s dedication to empowering Nigerians to achieve internationally recognized credentials, thereby contributing to national development and global competitiveness.
The UNESCO REF – Educational Financial Facility Scheme (EFFS) is a strategic initiative dedicated to enabling Nigerians who, due to financial constraints, aspire to earn accredited international credentials, including professional certifications, undergraduate degrees, master’s programmes, and Ph.D. qualifications.
Operating under the Strategic Intervention Programme – ALPHA Category 2, EFFS complements the Federal Government of Nigeria’s domestic education loan scheme, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which supports Nigerians studying in local institutions.
By contrast, EFFS focuses exclusively on international study pathways. It is designed to serve financially constrained Nigerians by providing:
– A structured study‑loan mechanism
– Access to scholarship opportunities
– Tuition‑reduction arrangements** through institutional partnerships
– Administrative processing
– University placement support delivered through partner organizations
– Pre‑departure capacity‑building programmes
Together, these elements broaden access to international education and empower Nigerians to achieve their global academic and professional aspirations.