President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on Thursday launched a historic N100bn Annual Education Support Initiative in Lagos — a programme designed to keep financially struggling but talented Nigerian students in school.
The scheme, which will cost over N1tn in 10 years, was inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who described it as one of the most far-reaching private-sector investments in the country’s education system.
Shettima warned that an uneducated youthful population could become a national threat, noting that Dangote’s intervention comes at a critical moment.
From next year, the initiative will support at least 45,000 new scholars every year, reaching more than 1.3 million students over a decade.
It will fund 30,000 undergraduate STEM students in public universities and polytechnics, offering tuition support aligned with the actual fees of their institutions.
Another 5,000 young Nigerians in technical and vocational schools will receive tools, materials and resources to complete their training, while 20,000 girls in public secondary schools will get uniforms, books and learning supplies.
States with the highest population of out-of-school girls will receive priority.
Dangote said the girls’ scholarship arm — named MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars — was created in honour of his daughters, Mariya, Halima and Fatima.
He explained that rising poverty is pushing too many brilliant students out of school, stressing that the new fund aims to stop “dreams from dying simply because families cannot afford fees.”
He assured that applications will be strictly verified, all disbursements digitised, and every scholar tracked. Beneficiaries will also be selected across all 774 local government areas using data such as out-of-school rates.
To sustain the project for generations, Dangote announced that 25% of his personal wealth is being formally committed to the Foundation.
He added that ongoing educational investments — including the N500m yearly funding for the Dangote School for Orphan Girls in Maiduguri — will continue.
The initiative attracted widespread commendation from national leaders.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said it stands out as one of the most comprehensive education interventions in Nigeria’s history.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised the focus on girls’ education and TVET, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, applauded the programme’s long-term vision.
To coordinate the scheme, Dangote appointed the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), as steering committee chairman, with seasoned academics and administrators serving as members.
Bage promised that the committee would ensure transparency and deliver measurable impact across 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.