Aliko Dangote launches N1 trillion education fund to support 1.3 million students, pledging 25% of his wealth to advance human capital in Nigeria

Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote has unveiled a N100 billion annual education fund, aimed at supporting 1.3 million students across all 774 local government areas over the next decade.

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The initiative, launched on Thursday in Lagos, marks the largest private education intervention in Nigeria’s history.

Dangote, who pledged 25 per cent of his personal wealth to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, described the programme as a strategic investment in the country’s future, designed to reduce financial barriers that force millions of young Nigerians out of school.

The initiative comprises four key programmes. The Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars scheme will fund 30,000 undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics annually. The Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars programme will support 5,000 students in public technical and vocational institutions with tools and essential training.

The MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars initiative will aid 20,000 public-school girls each year, while the Dangote Teacher Training Programme will enhance the skills of 10,000 STEM teachers across government colleges.

“This is not only charity. This is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” Dangote said. “Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy. Every student we support reduces inequality. Every scholar we empower becomes a future contributor to national development.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the initiative as a critical private-sector contribution to nation-building, emphasising the need for investment in education amid Nigeria’s demographic growth. Education Minister Tunji Alausa described the programme as “pure human capital development,” aligning with the Tinubu administration’s agenda to transform Nigeria into a knowledge-based economy.

The programme will utilise a fully digital merit-based system for verification, disbursement, and monitoring, in collaboration with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO. A Programme Steering Committee, chaired by His Highness Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, Emir of Lafia, will oversee implementation.

State and traditional leaders, including Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to transform Nigeria’s educational landscape and create lasting socio-economic impact.

Dangote emphasised that financial hardship, rather than lack of talent, remains the primary barrier for Nigerian learners. “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 programme builds on the Foundation’s existing education investments, including university hostels, early-learning initiatives, and the Aliko Dangote School for Orphan Girls in Maiduguri.

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Dangote said the effort represents the first phase of expanded interventions focusing on teacher development, quality learning, and modern school environments.