Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative in Lagos, hailing it as a transformative boost for Nigeria’s education sector and a lifeline for West Africa’s human capital development.
The initiative, announced by industrialist Aliko Dangote, entails a ₦100 billion annual scholarship scheme over the next ten years—totaling ₦1 trillion—and is set to benefit 1.3 million students nationwide. The foundation emphasized a merit-based and transparent selection system, ensuring fair access for all, including 25 percent of slots reserved for persons living with disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described Dangote’s philanthropy as “structural, generational, and visionary,” noting that education is pivotal to transforming Nigeria’s youthful population into a strategic national asset. He stressed that West Africa’s low Human Capital Index demands urgent intervention and called for continued public and private sector collaboration to ensure inclusive access to quality learning.
Dangote, who revealed that he has committed 25 percent of his personal wealth to the foundation, also announced partnerships with NELFUND, NECO, WAEC, and other agencies to guarantee accountability and performance in scholarship allocation and delivery.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa lauded the initiative as one of the most comprehensive human capital development programs in Nigeria’s history, while United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted the importance of investing in girls’ education and technical and vocational training as a driver of societal progress.
The launch event also featured Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, traditional rulers, and development partners. The unveiling of the Vision 2030 logo symbolized the foundation’s decade-long commitment to rebuilding Nigeria’s education system and strengthening human capital for generations to come.
With this bold initiative, Aliko Dangote has positioned himself as one of the most consequential private investors in Nigeria’s education sector, promising to transform the lives of over a million students and redefine philanthropy in the country.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.