Dangote Launches Trillion-Naira Education Fund for 1.3 Million Students

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A Major Step Forward in Nigerian Education

Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has made a groundbreaking announcement, pledging to support education in Nigeria through a massive initiative. This initiative, which involves an annual allocation of N100 billion, aims to address the financial barriers that prevent millions of young Nigerians from accessing quality education. The program is expected to cost over N1 trillion over the next decade, marking one of the most significant private-sector investments in education in the country's history.

The Federal Government has recognized this initiative as a major contribution to human capital development. Dangote's effort is seen as a vital step toward improving the educational landscape in Nigeria, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

Expanding Access to Education

The initiative is designed to support 45,000 new students each year starting in 2026, with the number increasing to 155,000 beneficiaries by the fourth year. Over ten years, the program is projected to reach 1.3 million students across all 774 local government areas. This wide-reaching impact highlights the commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints.

The program includes four key components:

• Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars: This initiative will fund 30,000 undergraduate students annually in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across public universities and polytechnics.
• Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars: This component will support 5,000 students in public technical and vocational institutions, covering tools, materials, and essential training requirements.
• MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars: Named after Dangote's daughters, this program will support 20,000 public-school girls annually from JSS1 to SSS3, with continued support into tertiary education.
• Dangote Teacher Training Programme: This initiative will launch a large-scale teacher development scheme, beginning with 10,000 secondary-school STEM teachers in 39 government colleges attended by MHF scholars.

A Strategic Investment in the Future

Dangote emphasized that the initiative is not just about charity but a strategic investment in Nigeria's future. He pointed out that financial hardship, rather than lack of talent, is the primary reason many students drop out of school. "Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy," he said, highlighting the importance of education as a tool for social mobility and economic growth.

He also stressed that the Foundation's long-term sustainability is tied to his commitment to allocate 25% of his wealth to the Aliko Dangote Foundation. This ensures that the initiative can continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of Nigerian students.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Change

Dangote acknowledged that no single organization can solve Nigeria's education challenges alone. He called for collaboration between the government, the private sector, communities, and families to transform education and, ultimately, Nigeria's future. He expressed hope that the initiative would inspire broader action across sectors.

Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Dangote's philanthropy, calling it a lesson in nation-building. He highlighted ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), strengthened basic education infrastructure through UBEC, and expanded TETFUND interventions. These efforts aim to improve Nigeria's Human Capital Index ranking and prepare young people for a skills-driven global economy.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa described the initiative as "pure human capital development," aligning with the Tinubu administration's plan to transform Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the 36 state governors, commended the initiative and pledged full support.

A Commitment to Measurable Outcomes

The Aliko Dangote Foundation will use a merit-based and fully digital system for verification, disbursement, and monitoring, working in partnership with various education authorities. The focus will be on measurable outcomes such as retention, completion rates, and post-school impact.

To oversee implementation, a Programme Steering Committee has been constituted, chaired by His Highness Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, Emir of Lafia. Other members include former vice-chancellors, senior education administrators, technical advisors, and representatives of the Dangote family.

Dangote's initiative builds on the Foundation's existing education investments, including university hostels, early-learning programs, and commitments to upgrade educational institutions. The new scheme marks the first phase of expanded education interventions focused on quality of learning, teacher development, and modern school environments.

In conclusion, Dangote's initiative represents a transformative step in Nigerian education, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, measurable outcomes, and long-term investment in the future of the nation.