Dangote launches N100bn annual education initiative to support Nigerian students

By Seun Ibiyemi

Industrialist and philanthropist Aliko Dangote has unveiled a landmark N100 billion annual education support initiative aimed at transforming education in Nigeria and providing opportunities for students affected by financial hardship.

The announcement was made at a ceremony attended by Vice President of Nigeria, state governors, ministers, traditional rulers, senators, and other dignitaries.

Dangote described education as the foundation of national development, emphasizing that no nation can rise above the quality of education it provides its youth.

“We cannot allow financial hardship to silence the dreams of our young people, not when the future of our nation depends on their skills, resilience, and leadership,” he said.

The initiative, projected to cost about N1 trillion over ten years, will start in January 2026, supporting 45,000 new scholars annually and reaching 155,000 beneficiaries by the fourth year. Over a decade, the programme is expected to impact over 1.3 million students.

The programme comprises four major components:

STEM Scholars: 30,000 undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields will receive financial support covering tuition and other costs at public universities and technical institutions.

Technical Scholars: 5,000 students annually in public technical and vocational schools will receive support for tools, materials, and essential learning resources.

MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholarship: Named after Dangote’s daughters, the programme will support 20,000 public school girls every year from junior secondary through tertiary education, providing full financial support, uniforms, books, and learning supplies. Priority will be given to states with high numbers of out-of-school girls.

Teacher Training Programme: 10,000 secondary school teachers in STEM subjects across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones will receive training to enhance education quality, with plans for future expansion.

Dangote emphasized that the initiative will operate on a merit-based and fully transparent system. Applications will be verified, disbursements digitized, and students tracked throughout their education.

The programme will collaborate with national institutions including NELFund, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, and NECO to ensure accountability and proper allocation of resources.

Highlighting the programme’s sustainability, Dangote announced that 25 per cent of his personal wealth has been formally dedicated to the foundation.

The initiative will also align with the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, ensuring continued investment in education for future generations.

“This is not charity; this is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” Dangote said.

“Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy, reduces inequality, and builds a generation of future leaders. When we lift one student, we lift a family, a community, and ultimately our nation.”

The Aliyu-Dangote Foundation has constituted a distinguished steering committee to oversee the initiative, ensuring that every step meets the highest standards of transparency and measurable impact. Dangote also acknowledged the contributions of government, communities, and the private sector in improving Nigeria’s education system.

The N100 billion annual initiative is regarded as one of the largest private sector-led investments in education in Nigeria, with the potential to reshape the country’s educational landscape and provide hope for millions of aspiring students.