A National, Continental and Global Commitment
The Educational Financing Facility Scheme (EFFS) is a flagship initiative of the UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF), under the leadership of President Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu, 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) partakes in the EFFS as a strategic partner, working with UNESCO REF to further strengthen governance, transparency, and delivery, thereby enhancing 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 Abdulsalami Ladigbolu stated: “The EFFS is more than financing. It is a national, continental, and global commitment to ensure that no talented young Nigerian is denied the opportunity to study abroad 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 partakes in admissions facilitation and strengthens attainment of scheme goals
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 partaking as a strategic partner, and private partners supplying loan products, the EFFS stands as a global model for equitable, transparent, and sustainable education financing.