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Flagship Facility Scheme: UNESCO REF Partner United Kingdom Global University Application Portal to Complement Nigeria’s NELFUND and Advance Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the UN SDGs

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A National, Continental and Global Commitment

The Educational Financing Facility Scheme (EFFS) is a flagship initiative of the UNESCO REF, under the leadership of President Prince Ladigbolu–Oranmiyan, designed to complement Nigeria’s National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The scheme expands access to international higher education, strengthens Nigeria’s human capital development, and aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Global University Application Portal (UAPP) participates in the EFFS as a strategic partner, working with UNESCO REF to reinforce governance, transparency, and delivery, thereby strengthening the easy attainment of the scheme’s goals. The EFFS remains open for other credible institutions and stakeholders to read, engage, and partake, ensuring that the programme benefits from broad collaboration and shared responsibility.

Leadership Voice of Commitment

UNESCO REF President Prince Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan stated: “The EFFS is more than financing. It is a national, continental, and global commitment to ensure that no talented Nigerian is denied the opportunity to earn accredited international credentials because of financial barriers. By complementing NELFUND, we are embedding transparency, accountability, and equity into education financing. This is Nigeria’s gift to Africa, and Africa’s contribution to the world.”

POWA President Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun emphasized: “Our youth are the custodians of Nigeria’s future. The EFFS ensures that their aspirations are matched with structured support, ethical governance, and global opportunity. It is a flagship programme that strengthens families’ confidence and positions Nigeria as a leader in human capital development.”

UAPP CEO Mr. Md Shamim added: “Through our participation in the EFFS, we are connecting Nigerian students to world class universities with a transparent and credible admissions process. This collaboration ensures that ambition is matched with opportunity, and that financing is responsibly structured under UNESCO REF’s governance. It is a model of how global collaboration can empower Africa’s next generation.”

Advancing Nigeria’s National Priorities

The EFFS complements NELFUND by supporting youth empowerment, human capital development, and economic diversification. It ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing global opportunities, reinforcing national strategies for innovation, employability, and sustainable growth.

Driving Africa’s Continental Agenda

The EFFS advances the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its youth. By positioning Nigerian students as global learners and future leaders, the EFFS contributes to Africa’s aspiration for inclusive growth, innovation, and prosperity.

Aligning with the United Nations SDGs

The EFFS contributes directly to:

  • SDG 4 Quality Education expanding access to higher education and lifelong learning
  • SDG 5 Gender Equality ensuring equitable opportunities for young women
  • SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth preparing youth for global employment markets
  • SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure fostering innovation ecosystems through skilled graduates
  • SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities removing financial and administrative barriers to education
  • SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals exemplifying multi stakeholder collaboration across institutions, civil society, and private partners

Roles and Responsibilities

  • UNESCO REF provides strategic oversight, governance, and beneficiary protections
  • UNESCO REF Chartered Institute Lichfield serves as the administrative hub, managing compliance and pre departure employability training
  • UAPP participates in admissions facilitation and strengthens attainment of scheme goals
  • UAPP Private Financial Partners and Consultants provide loan products and advisory services under REF’s governance framework
  • Other Stakeholders are invited to read, engage, and partake in the EFFS to broaden collaboration and impact

Implementation Framework

  • Pilot Phase initial implementation in Police Schools in Nigeria
  • National Rollout phased expansion across Nigeria aligned with NELFUND
  • Continental Scaling integration into AU Agenda 2063 youth empowerment frameworks
  • Global Partnerships alignment with UNESCO Education 2030 and World Bank Human Capital Project

Impact Metrics

  • Access 60,000 youth beneficiaries in the first phase
  • Equity minimum 50 percent participation by young women
  • Employability pre training modules linked to job readiness and entrepreneurship
  • Accountability independent audits, grievance mechanisms, and transparent reporting
  • Sustainability integration with national and continental financing frameworks

Confidence Statement

The EFFS is a professionally governed, student centred response to the needs of Nigerian families seeking international education. It complements NELFUND, advances Africa’s Agenda 2063, and contributes to the SDGs. With UNESCO REF providing oversight, Lichfield managing administration and pre training, UAPP participating as a strategic partner, and private partners supplying loan products, the EFFS stands as a global model for equitable, transparent, and sustainable education financing.

Know more about the EFFS through the UNESCO REF Chartered Institute, Lichfield, the official administrative contact point for enquiries and programme information.

UNESCO REF YWA National Advocate Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun, POWA President, and Delegation Pay Working Visit to Osun State Governor H.E. Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke on Young Women in Agriculture

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Introduction

In furtherance of the national rollout of the Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) flagship program, Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun, UNESCO REF YWA National Advocate and President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), led a distinguished UNESCO REF delegation on a working visit to the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke. The visit underscored the program’s strategic role in empowering women and youth, strengthening food security, and advancing sustainable development across Nigeria.

Purpose of the Visit

The delegation’s engagement with the Governor was designed to:

  • Present the objectives and transformative scope of the YWA initiative.
  • Explore Osun State’s active participation and leadership in program implementation.
  • Strengthen institutional partnerships for grassroots delivery.
  • Highlight alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Key Highlights

  • Governor’s Commitment: H.E. Senator Adeleke reaffirmed Osun State’s readiness to collaborate with UNESCO REF and POWA in advancing agricultural empowerment for women and youth.
  • Program Benefits: The delegation emphasized structured income opportunities, job creation, and international certification for participants.
  • Strategic Alignment: Discussions highlighted how the initiative directly addresses poverty reduction, gender equality, and food security challenges in Osun State.
  • Collaborative Pathways: Both parties agreed to establish a joint working framework to ensure effective rollout of the program in the state.

Diplomatic Significance

The presence of Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun as UNESCO REF YWA National Advocate and POWA President reinforced the program’s gender‑inclusive vision and symbolized the collective resolve of women leaders to champion agricultural transformation. The visit demonstrated UNESCO REF’s commitment to engaging state leadership at the highest level, ensuring that the initiative is both nationally owned and globally aligned.

Conclusion

The working visit to Osun State marks a significant milestone in the nationwide rollout of the Young Women in Agriculture initiative. By securing the support of Governor Adeleke and his administration, UNESCO REF and POWA strengthen their resolve to empower women and youth, enhance food security, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio‑economic development. Read Full Exclusive Story on Media Centre

 

 

UNESCO REF President and Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun: Working Visit to Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman‑Ibrahim

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Strategic Engagement for Food Security and Youth Empowerment

The President of the UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO‑REF), Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan, accompanied by Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun, paid a formal working visit to the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman‑Ibrahim, to consolidate modalities for the implementation of the Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) Programme and advance preparations for the National 12‑Million Youth Mobilization Campaign.

This high‑level engagement reflects a shared commitment to food security, women’s empowerment, and inclusive national development, aligning civil society and government priorities with global development frameworks.

Diplomatic and National Context

The visit comes at a time when the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared food security a national priority, positioning agriculture as a cornerstone of economic resilience. The discussions also align with the First Lady’s Food Bank Initiative, which combats hunger and provides nutritional support to vulnerable populations.

By empowering young women in agriculture and mobilizing millions of youth nationwide, UNESCO‑REF and the Ministry of Women Affairs are laying the foundation for sustainable food systems, national stability, and economic transformation.

Institutional Mandate and Leadership Voices

Prince Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan emphasized that both the YWA Programme and the 12‑Million Youth Mobilization Campaign are part of UNESCO‑REF’s broader institutional strategy to accelerate Nigeria’s attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).

He noted: “These initiatives are not projects in isolation, but national platforms for empowerment and resilience. By mobilizing our youth and empowering our women, Nigeria is positioning itself as a continental leader in food security and sustainable development.”

Dr. Mrs. Egbetokun underscored the importance of integrating women’s empowerment and youth mobilization into agricultural policy frameworks, highlighting that young Nigerians represent a critical demographic for driving innovation, productivity, and resilience. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate with UNESCO‑REF in expanding training opportunities, mobilizing resources, and ensuring that both initiatives reach communities across Nigeria.

Strategic Outcomes

The working visit concluded with a mutual commitment to:

  • Establish joint action frameworks for programme rollout.
  • Strengthen institutional collaboration between UNESCO‑REF and the Ministry.
  • Mobilize partnerships for the successful implementation of the YWA Programme and the 12‑Million Youth Mobilization Campaign.

Conclusion

This milestone reflects Nigeria’s determination to empower young women, mobilize youth nationwide, enhance food security, and contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the SDGs.

By aligning UNESCO‑REF’s institutional mandate with the President’s food security agenda and the First Lady’s Food Bank Initiative, this collaboration demonstrates a diplomatic synergy between civil society, government, and traditional leadership, positioning Nigeria as a continental leader in youth‑driven agricultural transformation and national development.

UNESCO‑REF President’s Working Visit to Nigeria Police Force: Advancing National Cohesion Through Youth Engagement

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Strategic Engagement at a Critical Moment

The President of the UNESCO REF, Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan, paid a high‑level working visit to Deputy Commissioner of Police Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), during the period of the End Bad Governance Protests. The visit finalized preparations for the first‑ever UNESCO‑REF Nigeria Police Youth Summit, convened on 12 August 2024 in Abuja to mark UN International Youth Day.

This milestone initiative was designed to strengthen cordial relations between the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian youth, directly addressing the urgent need for trust‑building, civic education, and inclusive participation in national security and governance.

National Significance

The Summit represents a strategic intervention in Nigeria’s democratic journey, aligning with UNESCO‑REF’s institutional mandate to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Prince Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan emphasized:
“The Nigeria Police Youth Summit is not merely an event, but a national platform for reconciliation and partnership — a covenant between the Police and our youth to build trust, respect, and shared responsibility.”

Summit Proceedings

  • Delegates: Over 400 participants from all 36 states and the FCT, including youth leaders, police representatives, civil society actors, and government officials.
  • Opening Ceremony: NYSC corps members performed traditional dances (Ekombi, Bàtá, Swange, Royal Court), celebrating unity in diversity.
  • Keynote Addresses:
  • IGP Kayode Egbetokun framed youth as essential partners in security.
  • Prince Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan articulated youth as change agents bridging technology and community ties.
  • Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs, tied the Summit to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
  • Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun addressed the trust gap and accountability frameworks.
  • Youth Q&A: Delegates pressed the IGP on protest management, corruption within the Force, raids on civil society, and protection for farmers. His candid responses underscored the value of open dialogue.
  • Thematic Sessions: Breakouts on crime prevention, conflict resolution, social media engagement, and community policing produced actionable proposals.

Strategic Recommendations

  1. Youth Advisory Councils at federal, state, and local levels with genuine influence in security policy.
  2. Technology‑enabled intelligence networks for youth to contribute securely to community safety.
  3. Transparency reforms to rebuild trust, including independent oversight and public reporting.
  4. Economic empowerment as a security strategy, integrating skills training and entrepreneurship.
  5. Continuous dialogue, institutionalizing regular youth–police summits nationwide.

Institutional Collaboration

DCP Adejobi welcomed the initiative, affirming the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to partner with UNESCO‑REF in advancing youth‑focused programmes that reduce friction and build mutual respect. He noted that the Summit provides a structured avenue for dialogue, ensuring that youth voices are constructively integrated into national security discourse.

Prince Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan underscored that the Summit is part of UNESCO‑REF’s broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s attainment of the SDGs. By creating a platform for constructive engagement, the initiative will not only strengthen police‑youth relations but also contribute to national stability, social cohesion, and inclusive development.

Conclusion

The UNESCO‑REF Nigeria Police Youth Summit marked a turning point in police–youth relations, convened deliberately in the wake of the August 2024 protests. It demonstrated that Nigeria’s security imperatives and youth capabilities align naturally, and that no security strategy can succeed without youth cooperation.

With the groundwork laid, the challenge now is institutional will: to turn frameworks into operations and ensure that this partnership becomes a foundation for transformation.
📖 Read comprehensive summit report

The Royal Seal: HIM Ooni Ojaja II Accepts Nomination as Royal Father for UNESCO REF YWA Champions

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A Covenant of Heritage and Progress

The UNESCO‑REF proudly announces that His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, has formally accepted the nomination to serve as Royal Father of the UNESCO‑REF Young Women in Agriculture (YWA) Champions. The YWA Champions are the beneficiaries of the Young Women in Agriculture programme – young women across Nigeria being empowered to lead in food production, innovation, and community resilience. His Imperial Majesty’s acceptance is therefore not only symbolic but paternal, a cultural covenant of guidance, protection, and inspiration for the women themselves.

Royal Seal Meets National Agenda

By lending his royal seal to the Champions, the Ooni of Ife aligns ancestral authority with the Federal Government’s food security agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Agriculture, identified as a cornerstone of national resilience, now carries the weight of royal endorsement. His role as Royal Father also resonates with the First Lady’s Food Bank Initiative, which combats hunger and supports vulnerable populations. Together, these efforts form a powerful architecture of food security, with young women positioned at its heart.

Institutional Voices of Commitment

Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan, President of UNESCO REF, emphasized: “The Ooni’s acceptance as Royal Father of the Champions is a cultural and institutional platform of immense power. It provides the beneficiaries with a sense of belonging, dignity, and protection, while mobilizing communities and accelerating progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

He noted that the YWA Champions initiative is not only about agricultural empowerment but also about creating a model of multi‑stakeholder collaboration – integrating traditional leadership, civil society, and government priorities into one unified framework for sustainable development.

Champions of the Future

The YWA Champions themselves represent the future: young women equipped with training, mentorship, and modern technologies; positioned as leaders in agricultural innovation; and contributing directly to poverty reduction, food security, and inclusive economic growth. With His Imperial Majesty as their Royal Father, the Champions gain not only institutional support but cultural legitimacy, embedding their empowerment within the heritage of the nation and Africa at large.

Royal Words of Paternal Commitment

His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Ojaja II, expressed his paternal commitment in elevated terms:
“As Royal Father to the Champions, I embrace these daughters of our land with pride and responsibility. Their hands will till the soil, their vision will feed the nation, and their courage will shape the future. In them, I see the strength of Nigeria and the promise of Africa.”

Symbolism and Strategy for Global Impact

The acceptance by His Imperial Majesty is both symbolic and strategic. It demonstrates visionary leadership, aligning traditional authority with the President’s food security agenda, the First Lady’s humanitarian vision, and UNESCO REF’s institutional mandate. With this royal seal, the YWA Champions are poised to achieve greater impact, ensuring that young women across Nigeria and Africa drive agricultural transformation, reduce poverty, combat hunger, and contribute meaningfully to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 

 

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