Dangote Launches N1trn Education Fund to Support 1.3m Nigerian Students
Industrialist Aliko Dangote has unveiled a N100 billion annual education support programme to reduce financial barriers that keep young Nigerians out of school. The scheme, projected to cost over N1 trillion over ten years, will support 1.3 million students across all 774 local government areas.
Launched in Lagos, the initiative will fund 45,000 new students each year from 2026, rising to 155,000 by the fourth year. The programme includes four key schemes: the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars for 30,000 undergraduates; Technical Scholars for 5,000 vocational students; the MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars for 20,000 girls; and a Teacher Training Programme targeting 10,000 STEM teachers.
Dangote described financial hardship, not lack of talent, as the main barrier to education, calling the initiative a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. The Foundation will use digital systems for merit-based selection, disbursement, and monitoring in partnership with agencies including NELFUND, JAMB, NUC, and NBTE.
Vice President Kashim Shettima said the intervention underscores the private sector’s role in national development, while Education Minister Tunji Alausa said it aligns with the government’s knowledge-driven economy agenda.
The programme builds on the Dangote Foundation’s existing projects in health, early learning, orphan education, and university infrastructure.
