UNESCO REF UAPP partnership offers Nigerian students financial support for studying abroad, enhancing access to global university opportunities

The UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO REF) has signed a landmark partnership with the United Kingdom Global University Application Portal (UAPP) to provide financial support for Nigerian students pursuing higher education overseas.

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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Abuja and includes collaboration with the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) under UNESCO REF’s Strategic Intervention Programme -ALPHA (SIP–ALPHA), Categories 2 and 15.

Prince Abdulsalam Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan, President of UNESCO REF, said the initiative aims to complement existing student funding interventions, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), by removing financial barriers for students seeking admission into foreign institutions.

“This partnership is a deliberate pathway to transform ambition into opportunity, and opportunity into achievement,” Ladigbolu-Oranmiyan said.

“It provides a structured Educational Financing Facility, ensuring Nigerian students have both access and support to pursue international higher education.”

The pilot phase will focus on Police Secondary Schools, with plans to extend the programme nationwide in September.

The initiative is open to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral candidates, and is designed to integrate financial literacy, entrepreneurial training, and career guidance to ensure repayment is structured and empowering rather than burdensome.

Dr Elizabeth Egbetokun, National President of POWA, emphasised that the partnership aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places education at the centre of national transformation.

“From this pilot, the programme will spread to other schools and institutions across the country, ensuring no child is left behind in the pursuit of higher education and global opportunities,” she said.

UAPP Chief Executive Officer Mr Md Shamim noted that the platform will facilitate structured access to UK universities across selected bachelor’s, Top-Up, and master’s programmes, offering low-interest student loans with flexible repayment structures to reduce upfront financial pressures.

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The partnership has already established connections with over 250 universities worldwide, aiming to democratise access to global education opportunities and equip Nigerian students with the resources and support needed to succeed internationally.