UNESCO REF Impact Journal and Stories – Page 3

UNICAF Partners UNESCO REF on Educational Financial Facility Scheme, Blanket Scholarship of 86% for Undergraduate, Masters & PhD Under SIP-ALPHA Category 2.15B2

The Read and Earn Federation for UNESCO (UNESCO REF) and UNICAF have formalized a landmark strategic partnership delivering an exclusive 86 percent scholarship coverage, unavailable through any other channel, for Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral qualifications through the UNESCO REF Educational Financial Facility Scheme (EFFS). Students qualifying through this exclusive arrangement pay only 14 percent of tuition costs. The remainder is fully funded. Read Full Story at the Media Centre.

National Advocate Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Egbetokun Strengthens Strategic Partnership with Bauchi State Government and Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed on Young Women in Agriculture

The National Advocate for the UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Egbetokun, conducted a working visit to His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, to formalise and accelerate collaboration for the strategic mobilisation, capacity building and economic empowerment of young women in agriculture across the state. The engagement advances shared commitments to gender equality, sustainable agriculture and inclusive rural development, in line with national priorities and global development frameworks. Read Full Story at the Media Centre.

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) is now officially designated as the National Secretariat for the UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) Programme

A Landmark National Designation

The Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) has been officially designated as the National Secretariat for the UNESCO REF Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) Programme. This landmark designation underscores NCWD’s pivotal role in advancing UNESCO REF’s mission to empower young women through agricultural innovation, skills development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. It also reflects Nigeria’s leadership in promoting women’s development and positions NCWD as a central hub for driving impactful initiatives nationwide.

Advocacy and Institutional Leadership

This milestone was facilitated through the tireless advocacy of Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun, UNESCO REF YWA National Advocate and President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA). Her engagement with stakeholders ensured that the request was properly advanced and aligned with Nigeria’s broader vision for women’s empowerment and agricultural transformation.

NCWD’s Commitment to National Mandate

The designation was formally approved by Hon. Vilita Asabe, Director‑General of NCWD, who emphasized the Centre’s readiness to assume this national mandate. In her words: “This recognition by UNESCO REF is both an honor and a responsibility. As the National Secretariat, NCWD will serve as the hub for innovation, collaboration, and empowerment. We are committed to ensuring that young women across Nigeria have access to the skills, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in agriculture and beyond. This is a defining moment for women’s development in our country.”

Programme Implementation and Impact

As the National Secretariat, NCWD will coordinate programme implementation, foster stakeholder collaboration, and ensure alignment with national and international frameworks for women’s empowerment and sustainable development. The YWA Programme seeks to strengthen the participation of young women in agriculture by providing access to training, mentorship, and modern technologies, while promoting inclusive growth and food security. By empowering young women to become leaders in agriculture, the programme contributes directly to poverty reduction, economic diversification, and community resilience.

Shared Commitment to Global Goals

Through this partnership, NCWD and UNESCO REF reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing gender equality, enhancing economic opportunities, and contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The designation of NCWD as the National Secretariat is more than an announcement – it is a national commitment to inclusive growth, global solidarity, and a future where women stand at the forefront of Nigeria’s socio‑economic transformation.

President Tinubu Hails Nigeria Police Force and UNESCO REF at “The Needful Now” National Police Youths Summit, 400+ Delegates, Live on Channels TV

On the morning of 12 August 2024, the Nigeria Police Force and UNESCO REF convened a landmark youth summit in Abuja to mark the United Nations International Youth Day. The gathering drew government officials, security agencies, civil society organisations and youth leaders from every corner of the federation, and set out to reimagine the relationship between young Nigerians and the institutions charged with their security. Read Full Story at the media Centre.

UNESCO REF SIP X2 Partnership to Mobilizes 60,000 Youth for Ethical AI and Sustainable Development

A Continental and Global Agenda

The Strategic Intervention Program (SIP X2) has been unveiled as a landmark initiative to prepare young people for the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence and the digital economy. More than a training program, SIP X2 is a national, continental, and global platform that combines technical proficiency with ethical responsibility, empowering a new generation to drive innovation while safeguarding human rights, democratic values, and societal resilience.

Nigeria’s Gift to Africa, Africa’s Contribution to the World

At the national level, SIP X2 strengthens Nigeria’s digital economy and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for youth empowerment and innovation. At the continental level, it positions Africa as a leader in ethical AI adoption, ensuring that African youth are not left behind in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Globally, SIP X2 contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 4 (Quality Education) – advancing digital literacy and lifelong learning.
SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) – preparing youth for future employment in the digital economy.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) – fostering innovation ecosystems.
SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) – ensuring equitable access to digital opportunities.
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) – embedding ethics and accountability in AI governance.

Institutional Voice of Leadership

UNESCO REF President declared: “Technology must serve humanity. SIP X2 ensures that young people are not only prepared for the jobs of tomorrow but also for the ethical responsibilities that come with shaping our digital future. This is Nigeria’s gift to Africa and Africa’s contribution to the world.”

Building Ethical Competence for the Digital Age

Through structured training, mentorship, and access to global expertise, SIP X2 equips participants with modern digital literacy and AI‑related skills. The program emphasizes employability while ensuring that youth are prepared to address critical issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the broader societal impacts of emerging technologies.

A Multi‑Stakeholder Global Movement

SIP X2 represents a strategic step toward building an inclusive and equitable digital society. By curating expert knowledge across disciplines and fostering multi‑stakeholder collaboration, the program positions nations to harness AI responsibly while strengthening democratic governance, sustainable development, and global solidarity.

Empowering Youth as Architects of Digital Equity

Participants will gain access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities previously unavailable, positioning them at the forefront of innovation. SIP X2 ensures that their contributions advance national priorities, continental aspirations, and global digital equity, embedding ethics at the heart of technological progress.

About SIP X2

SIP X2 is a multi‑stakeholder initiative committed to advancing digital literacy, ethical AI adoption, and youth empowerment. By combining technical excellence with ethical awareness, SIP X2 prepares nations with a new generation of skilled practitioners ready to shape the future responsibly.

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