UNIPASS begins operations in Nigeria, unveils scholarship support for vulnerable students
UNIPASS, a renowned international education consultancy, has launched its operations in Nigeria, unveiling plans to expand access to quality higher education for young Nigerians while also promoting Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign students.
Speaking at the official launch of UNIPASS Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, Alvin Atsegwasi, the chief executive officer (CEO), said the organisation is committed to creating transparent and accountable pathways for students seeking education abroad, alongside scholarship support for vulnerable groups.
“We also support scholarship programmes targeted at critical communities — including people with disabilities,” Atsegwasi said, noting his experience of over ten years in the United Kingdom (UK).
He encouraged young Nigerians studying abroad to contribute to national development, adding that UNIPASS also aims to attract more international students to Nigerian institutions.
“At UNIPASS, we don’t only support Nigerians going abroad. We also promote opportunities for foreigners to come and study here in Nigeria,” he added.
Atsegwasi highlighted partnerships with local institutions such as the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management as key to this strategy. “We are proud to be part of that. We are encouraging foreigners to come back to Nigeria.”
He explained that the UNIPASS model helps address risks linked to unregulated study programmes and migration challenges, stressing that the organisation will collaborate closely with government and stakeholders to improve educational outcomes for Nigerian youth.
“UNIPASS is here to change that story. We will work hand-in-hand with the Nigerian government and stakeholders to create structured and transparent pathways for our youth,” he said.
“Our promise to parents, communities and our dear Nigeria is very simple: we will get you there.”
Co-founder Sanpreet Sehmi said the organisation’s mission is to ensure equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of academic performance.
She also announced UNIPASS’ first institutional collaboration in Africa — a new partnership with the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management in Lagos.
“It shows that world-class standards are not only found across oceans. They can be built, nurtured and proudly offered right here,” she said.
Maureen Mutsiya, executive director, described the new Abuja office as “a passport to global education” for Nigerian students.
“This office is more than a physical space. It represents our commitment to guide you — step by step — as you pursue education beyond borders,” she noted.
Mutsiya added that more than 1,200 students have benefited from UNIPASS guidance in the past two years across destinations including Canada, Australia, the UK, the US, New Zealand, Ireland and Germany.
The launch event attracted a large audience and featured goodwill messages from Yetunde Adeniji, senior special assistant to the president on school feeding, as well as Isaac Balami, the CEO of the Isaac Balami Foundation and the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management, among other dignitaries.
