The Read and Earn Federation for UNESCO and UNICAF have launched a strategic partnership to expand access to internationally accredited higher education for Nigerians through an 86% tuition scholarship scheme designed to complement the Federal Government's Nigeria Education Loan Fund.

Under the Educational Financial Facility Scheme, Nigerian students admitted through the UNESCO REF pathway will receive scholarships covering 86% of their tuition fees, with beneficiaries responsible for the remaining 14%. The scheme covers undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degree programmes.

The UNICAF Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nicos Nicolaou, described the collaboration as a significant step toward widening access to quality higher education across Africa.

"Through the Educational Financial Facility Scheme, UNICAF will extend structured scholarship support to qualifying Nigerian students in complement to the Federal Government's Nigeria Education Loan Fund and in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda," he said.

Nicolaou clarified that the scholarship is available exclusively to students admitted through the UNESCO REF pathway and was designed to complement rather than replace NELFund.

UNESCO REF President, Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu Oranmiyan, said the scheme provides a structured and sustainable financing mechanism for Nigerians pursuing internationally recognised qualifications. He noted that the initiative advances Sustainable Development Goal 4 on equitable access to quality tertiary education and SDG 8 on reducing the number of young people outside employment, education or training.

He added that UNESCO REF would continue engaging reputable international institutions to create further opportunities for Nigerians to obtain globally recognised degrees.

One beneficiary, Mrs Grace Adetola, a registered nurse at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, said the scholarship had enabled her to pursue a Master's degree in Public Health Management after years of being unable to afford postgraduate studies.

"She described the 86% tuition support as a life changing opportunity and encouraged Nigerian professionals seeking international qualifications to take advantage of the programme.

Implementation of the scheme will be monitored through key performance indicators covering student enrolment, programme completion, accreditation outcomes and graduate employability. The partners said the initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria's knowledge economy and broaden access to higher education nationwide.