Speaking as a long-standing advocate for women’s empowerment at the UNESCO REF & POWA national flag-off of the 12 Million Young Women in Agriculture Mobilisation Campaign, Prof. Hafsat Gandujeunderscored the grassroots importance of the campaign, framing it not merely as an agricultural programme but as a covenant of dignity, opportunity, and security for families across the Federation. Read Full Story at the Media Centre.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Collaboration for Education and Skills Development: UNESCO REF and Global Learning Exchange, USA.
Two million Nigerian are denied higher education access due to insufficient enrollment capacity, a gap UNESCO REF and the Global Learning Exchange are committed to bridging; because education is universally recognized as the foundation of sustainable development, social mobility, and global competitiveness.
In the 21st century, nations that invest in human capital through accessible, high‑quality education and skills development are best positioned to thrive in an interconnected world. Against this backdrop, the UNESCO REF partnered with the Global Learning Exchange™ (GLX) under the NEPAD_EY framework, implemented through the TAP Category 2.9 platform.
This collaboration represents a bold institutional step toward democratizing education, bridging Nigeria’s intellectual capital with global opportunity, and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The partnership is not an isolated initiative but part of a broader agenda. It aligns with:
By situating Nigeria within these global and continental frameworks, the collaboration underscores the country’s role as a hub for educational innovation and human capital development in Africa.
Operating under the UNESCO REF Strategic Implementation Platform (SIP‑ALPHA), the partnership reflects a deliberate alignment of two organizations committed to democratizing education. The vision is clear: every qualified Nigerian youth, regardless of geography or economic circumstance, should have access to world‑class education and professional opportunities.
The initiative delivers internationally accredited academic programmes, professional certifications, and digital skills development. These opportunities are structured to advance SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), ensuring that the collaboration contributes meaningfully to both national and global development agendas.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the establishment of GLX Hub facilities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These hubs will provide:
This infrastructure ensures that Nigerian youth are not only educated but also globally connected.
Beyond education, the initiative addresses employment. Each GLX Hub will generate jobs for qualified local professionals, who will manage operations and provide academic and administrative support. This model strengthens institutional capacity, creates local ownership, and ensures sustainability.
Recognizing that education must be holistic, the hubs will deliver wraparound services including career planning, counselling, and mental health support. By prioritizing student retention, employability, and long‑term success, the initiative ensures that participants are prepared not only academically but also personally and professionally.
The collaboration emphasizes knowledge and technology transfer through structured training and certification programs. This ensures that expertise is localized, institutional capacity is built, and Nigeria becomes a hub for educational innovation.
Branded as GET EDUCATED, the pathway symbolizes the institutional commitment to bridging Nigeria’s intellectual capital with global opportunity. It targets youth between 18 and 35; including NYSC corps members, graduates, and young professionals — and provides access to internationally validated programmes. By doing so, it creates a pipeline of globally competitive graduates who can contribute to national development and international collaboration.
The UNESCO REF and GLX partnership is more than an educational program; it is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and Africa’s transformation. By combining infrastructure, employment, career support, and knowledge transfer, the collaboration creates a holistic ecosystem for learning and growth. Anchored in global best practices and aligned with the SDGs, it represents a transformative pathway for Nigerian youth to thrive in an interconnected world.