In Nigeria, where many kids drop out of school because they can’t afford it, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has introduced a N1 trillion educational scholarship initiative. This significant step sets a new standard for private sector involvement in education, seeking to restore optimism among learners and improve their future opportunities.
As Alhaji Aliko Dangote addressed officials, customary leaders, and stakeholders in Lagos lately, his statement was clear-cut: the country’s tomorrow should not be compromised due to lack of resources.
Following the launch of an N1 trillion educational scholarship program, the Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and head of Dangote Group declared what is being called the biggest privately funded educational assistance effort in Nigerian history.
Starting from 2026, the initiative will last for ten years, allocating ₦100 billion each year to assist over 1.3 million students throughout all 774 local government regions in the nation.
For Dangote, this initiative is not about charity or superficial acts of generosity. Rather, it represents a strategic investment in people's potential during a period when financial difficulties risk forcing Nigeria’s poorest students to drop out of school.
"This goes beyond philanthropy; it is a strategic move for Nigeria's future. Each child remaining in school bolsters our economy. Supporting every student helps decrease disparities," he stated.
Central to the effort is an intricately organized structure aimed at students who face the highest likelihood of being excluded. The program consists of three core components, all developed to tackle essential deficiencies within Nigeria's educational system.
Through the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars Program, 30,000 undergraduate students enrolled in government-funded universities and technical colleges will get financial assistance for their tuition amounting to as much as ₦600,000 annually, with an emphasis on disciplines such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—areas crucial to enhancing the country’s economic output and technological advancement.
The Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars initiative aims to assist 5,000 participants in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), offering both monetary assistance and crucial equipment and study resources necessary for converting technical abilities into sustainable careers.
One of the most notable initiatives is the MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars Scheme, aimed at supplying 10,000 female students from government-run secondary schools with uniforms, textbooks, and educational materials, focusing on regions where many children are not enrolled in school.
Educational specialists predict that during the initial ten years of execution, upwards of 170,000 females might receive assistance, addressing the issue of unequal opportunities in educational access head-on.
Dangote emphasized the critical nature of this time.
"Nobody under the age of 18 should lose their future due to money problems," he stated, cautioning that today's economic situation makes educational assistance essential instead of optional.
Within an industry frequently plagued by shortcomings, the ADF scholarship program offers a completely online, performance-driven approach for choosing, confirming, distributing, and tracking awards. This effort will be carried out in collaboration with major local organizations such as NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO, guaranteeing reliability, openness, and broad coverage.
A Program Oversight Committee, led by the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, has been established to monitor execution. The committee comprises ex-vice chancellors, high-ranking educational officials, specialists in relevant fields, and delegates from the Dangote family, structured to guarantee both autonomy and responsibility.
In addition to providing access, the foundation states it will concentrate on achieving tangible results, monitoring student retention, graduation rates, and effects after schooling. As Dangote mentioned, the objective is not merely to grant scholarships but to support educational paths and create lasting societal and financial advantages.
"Upon receiving a scholarship, an entire community stands to gain," he stated.
The educational initiative forms an integral part of Dangote's overall dedication to the country's growth. He revealed that the program's long-term viability is based on his promise to allocate 25 percent of his private assets to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, with updates monitored through the Dangote Group's Vision 2030 plan.
He claimed that education serves as "the base upon which each successful society rests," calling it the greatest driver of upward movement within society and the most effective leveler.
Dangote swiftly emphasized that the program is not a universal solution.
"An individual organization cannot address Nigeria's educational issues by itself," he stated, urging a collective effort that includes the government, private industry, local communities, and households.
During his comments, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, called the initiative a true example of national development, emphasizing that Nigeria's increasing population can only be beneficial when adequately educated.
He stated, "The action taken by Alhaji Aliko Dangote today represents the biggest individual contribution from the private sector toward education in the nation's history."
He pointed out that the program corresponds to current changes within the Tinubu government, such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), broader TETFund activities, improved fundamental educational facilities, and increased focus on technical and occupational training.
The Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, referred to the initiative as "genuine investment in human potential," corresponding with the administration's objective of shifting Nigeria from an economy reliant on natural resources to one driven by knowledge.
The governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking for his fellow leaders, praised the effort and promised complete backing. He noted that Dangote has consistently been at the forefront of charity work and country advancement.
" This represents intentional leadership. As an authentic collaborator in advancement, he possesses options, yet he has opted once more to guide through a courageous and one-of-a-kind effort. He has continually demonstrated the essence of genuine charity and how money can serve as a driver for growth. You're leveraging your assets to elevate countless individuals, and Nigeria will recall this," Sanwo-Olu stated.
The ruler of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, highlighted that Dangote's role in advancing private sector development is unparalleled, calling the latest project both transformative and a key financial commitment toward Nigeria's long-term prospects.
He remembered how the ADF helped his community during a severe tribal clash that led to the damage of multiple buildings.
In virtual remarks, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed mentioned that the initiative will establish an environment where children can study and families can thrive, emphasizing education as a route to collective development.
Dangote addressed his statement specifically to young people in Nigeria.
Your aspirations hold significance. Your learning is important," he said. "Your tomorrow is valuable. We have faith in you. We are committing to your growth.
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