Dangote unveils ₦1 trillion scholarship fund for Nigerian students 

The Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced a ₦1 trillion scholarship programme to expand access to education and promote academic excellence across Nigeria. Starting in 2026, the initiative will support over 1.3 million students from all 774 local government areas, with ₦100 billion committed annually for 10 years.

The programme targets Nigeria’s most vulnerable learners and is structured into three categories: Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars – 30,000 undergraduates in public universities and polytechnics will receive tuition support of up to ₦600,000 per year;  Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars – 5,000 TVET trainees will get essential study materials and technical tools; MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars – 10,000 girls in public schools will receive uniforms, books, and learning supplies, prioritizing states with high out-of-school rates.

This is to be implemented in partnership with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO, the scheme will use a merit-based, fully digital system for selection and disbursement. Dangote emphasised that this is a strategic investment in human capital, aimed at reducing inequality and driving national development.

The initiative aligns strongly with the government’s priority of expanding equitable access to education.

“No nation surpasses the aspirations of its most committed patriots,” he said. “The legacy of Alhaji Aliko Dangote reminds us that greatness is not measured by wealth but by the number of lives one lifts from the shadows into the light.”

The Vice President added that the Aliko Dangote Foundation programme will widen opportunities for thousands of learners and bolster the FG’s efforts to build a competitive workforce. He called for stronger collaboration between the government, the private sector and development partners to address persistent gaps in the education system.

In his presentation, Education Minister Tunji Alausa described the initiative as “pure human capital development,” saying it aligns with the Tinubu administration’s education sector renewal plan of transforming Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy and is significant because every local government area will benefit.

He said by the end of the first decade of the execution of the scholarship programme, it is estimated that over 170,000 girl child would have gone to school.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the 36 state governors, also commended the initiative and pledged the governors’ full support.

Chairman of the Programme Steering Committee, His Highness Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, Emir of Lafia, said the scheme is unprecedented and praised Dangote’s patriotism in reinvesting his wealth to uplift other Nigerians.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, said Dangote’s impact in driving private-sector transformation remains unmatched, describing the new initiative as both transformational and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.

He recalled how ADF has come to the aid of his community during a devastating communal feud that led to the destruction of several properties.

In her virtual remark from the United States of America, United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed said the scholarship scheme will provide an environment for children to learn and for families to prosper.

The scholarship programme represents the most extensive private-sector scholarship commitment in Nigeria’s history and reinforces ADF’s mission to expand opportunities, drive social impact, and enhance the well-being of individuals and communities across the country.