The Educational Financial Facility Scheme (EFFS) delivers structured, sustainable study loans for Nigerian students pursuing international higher education — combining global university placement with UNESCO REF's quality oversight.
Learn more about the Educational Financial Facility Scheme and how it is transforming access to international higher education for Nigerian students.
The EFFS goes beyond facilitating applications — it provides the financial backbone that makes international higher education truly attainable. Through a transparent, auditable loan mechanism, the scheme matches ambition with resources and aspirations with practical pathways.
Backed by global university placement capabilities and UNESCO REF's rigorous quality oversight, EFFS delivers a holistic framework supporting students from first application through to university enrolment and beyond.
Reliable study loans that reduce upfront financial barriers to international study.
International-standard pre-departure training and certification processes.
Successful university placements and post-study capacity building pathways.
Family empowerment through agriculture and skills initiatives.
Submit your data and admin fee proof to The Lichfield. Receive administrative clearance.
Complete digital forms and join the compulsory 4-week AI-focused ICT programme.
Participate in pre-departure training to boost employability in your destination country.
Open your UAPP digital portal for admission processing and financial loan coordination.
Whether you're pursuing your first degree or advancing to postgraduate studies, EFFS has a structured pathway designed for you.
Full support from application to placement with compulsory ICT/AI training and two elective courses.
Comprehensive pathway including compulsory AI-focused ICT training and full integration with placement partners.
Applications are now open for both cohorts. Contact The Lichfield to submit your application and secure your place in the scheme.
✉ Apply Now — [email protected]Non-refundable administrative fee applies.
The UNESCO REF - Educational Financial Facility Scheme (EFFS) is dedicated to enabling Nigerians who, due to financial constraints, aspire to earn accredited international credentials, including professional certifications, undergraduate degrees, master's programmes, and Ph.D. qualifications.
Operating under the Strategic Intervention Programme – ALPHA Category 2, EFFS complements the Federal Government of Nigeria's domestic education loan scheme, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which supports Nigerians studying in local institutions.
By contrast, EFFS focuses exclusively on international study pathways. It is designed to serve financially constrained Nigerians by providing:
Together, these elements broaden access to international education and empower Nigerians to achieve their global academic and professional aspirations.
To provide credible, structured, and sustainable financial support, including study loans, scholarships, and tuition‑reduction partnerships, that enable qualified Nigerian students facing financial constraints to access international higher education. EFFS ensures rigorous oversight, measurable outcomes, and long‑term socioeconomic impact for beneficiaries, their families, and the nation.
A transparent, auditable, and scalable framework that expands global education access for financially constrained Nigerians, strengthens employability through internationally recognized credentials, and fosters inclusive national development and global competitiveness.
Responsible for connecting students with international institutions, including universities and professional training providers. Partners deliver full‑service application management, structured advisory services, digital platform provision, and facilitation of international student loan arrangements. They also coordinate scholarship opportunities and tuition‑reduction agreements through institutional partnerships, ensuring that applicants benefit from both financial and academic pathways.
Provides supervisory oversight ensuring quality assurance and compliance. UNESCO REF is not a lender, underwriter, or financier — all financial instruments are administered through Partners and their financial affiliates.
The official chartered Institute for administrative management and primary point of contact. Handles application processing, fee collection, clearance verification, and ongoing applicant support.
Explore the full application process or jump straight to your cohort details.
A clear, four-phase journey from your first application to opening your digital portal for university admission and loan coordination.
The journey begins when you submit your application through The Lichfield Partners & Associates. You'll provide your personal data along with proof of payment of the non-refundable administrative fee. For undergraduates the fee is the Naira equivalent of £8; for postgraduates it's £20 — both at the prevailing exchange rate.
Payment is made via the official email: [email protected]. Once The Lichfield verifies your data and payment, you receive an administrative clearance confirmation — your green light to proceed.
With clearance in hand, you complete your digital application forms and enrol in the compulsory ICT programme with an Artificial Intelligence focus. Undergraduate applicants additionally select two elective courses.
The four-week programme equips you with globally relevant ICT and AI skills, practical job-search techniques, and cultural orientation tailored to your destination country — significantly improving your employability and academic readiness abroad.
Training covers practical AI applications, digital literacy at international standard, job-search strategies for UK and other destination markets, and cultural adaptation skills.
Only applicants with confirmed applications and clearance are enrolled — ensuring every participant is fully prepared. Upon completion you receive certification that strengthens your university applications and employment profile.
After completing training, your details are shared with placement Partners. You open your digital portal for admission processing and financial loan coordination.
This is where the full power of the EFFS partnership comes together. Partners handle your university placement, application management, and connect you with the structured loan mechanism that finances your international education.
Your fee funds three professional services that materially improve your outcomes.
ICT/AI skills, job-search techniques, and cultural orientation
Application handling, verification, compliance, and coordination
Ongoing guidance and responsive communication throughout
Check the cohort details to confirm your fee and requirements.
Two distinct pathways with tailored fee structures, training programmes, and add-on benefits — both leading to your digital portal and international university placement.
The undergraduate modality provides a complete end-to-end journey for students pursuing their first international degree. You'll receive compulsory AI-focused ICT training plus two elective courses of your choice — building a well-rounded skill set for your destination country.
Designed for candidates advancing to master's or doctoral studies internationally. The compulsory AI-focused ICT training prepares you for high-level academic and professional environments, while Partner integration connects you with global placement and structured loans.
The first 1,000 applicants in each cohort receive exclusive add-on advantages.
Be among the first 1,000 applicants in your cohort and unlock a comprehensive suite of additional benefits for you and your family.
The first 1,000 applicants benefit from the special discounted administrative fee — £8 for undergraduates, £20 for postgraduates (Naira equivalent at prevailing rate). This concession rewards early participation and reduces your upfront costs.
Eligible undergraduate applicants gain access to three ICT programmes with AI specialisation, while postgraduates enrol in an advanced AI-focused programme. This extended training significantly strengthens your global employability.
Nominate one female family member for Kenaf farming certification with guaranteed ₦400,000 income every 12 weeks. Lead training partner: IAR&T at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), with additional international partners from USA, Israel, UK, and others.
Family nominees also receive training and certification in Hydroponics and Agro-Kenaf Enterprise by the London School of Management. Participation is optional but strategically designed to extend benefits beyond the individual applicant.
Enrol in a high-profile professional AI programme — including short courses — at a discounted rate through a USA-based institute. This prepares you for high-value remote employment opportunities, complementing your loan repayment and ensuring sustainable career progression.
Reduced costs, enhanced ICT/AI skills, international employability, and access to advanced professional training programmes.
Direct empowerment of women through agricultural certification, hydroponics training, and guaranteed income streams.
Strengthened reputation for delivering holistic education and empowerment initiatives with international partnerships.
Spots among the first 1,000 are limited. Apply now to secure your early-bird advantages.
Apply Now →Everything you need to know about the EFFS, the application process, fees, training, and benefits.
Reach out to The Lichfield — they're your official point of contact for everything EFFS.
The Lichfield Partners & Associates is the official chartered Institute for administrative management and your primary point of contact for all EFFS enquiries.
5th Floor, Huddle Workspace,
28 Rev. Ogunbiyi Street,
By Oba Akinjobi Way,
GRA Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
+234 916 421 2902
+234 903 658 9450
Choose your cohort (Undergraduate or Postgraduate) and confirm the applicable administrative fee.
Make your payment and obtain proof of payment.
Email [email protected] with your personal data and proof of payment.
The Lichfield verifies your submission and issues your administrative clearance confirmation.
Follow the guided steps to complete your digital application and enrol in the ICT programme.
Send your application to The Lichfield today. Include your personal details and proof of administrative fee payment.
✉ Email The Lichfieldor call +234 916 421 2902