Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, has rolled out a massive ₦100 billion annual education support programme projected to exceed ₦1 trillion over the next decade. The initiative, launched Thursday in Lagos, targets 1.325 million Nigerian students and teachers, marking one of the largest private-sector investments in education in the country’s history.
The programme was formally flagged off by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who described the initiative as visionary and generational. He warned that Nigeria’s youthful population can only become a national asset if properly educated, stressing that neglecting education poses long-term risks to national stability.
Beginning in 2026, the initiative will support at least 45,000 new beneficiaries every year. A major component focuses on 30,000 undergraduates annually in public universities and polytechnics studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Their tuition support will be aligned with the actual fees charged by their institutions.
Another 5,000 young Nigerians each year will be enrolled in public technical and vocational institutions. They will receive training tools, learning materials, and other resources required to complete their programmes successfully. The scheme also targets 20,000 girls in public secondary schools annually, from JSS1 to SSS3, providing uniforms, books, and essential learning supplies.
Dangote said states with the highest numbers of out-of-school girls would be prioritised, with support continuing through tertiary education. The girls’ programme, named the MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars, was created in honour of his daughters.
Explaining his focus on education, Dangote said no nation can rise above the quality of education it provides its young people. He noted that many brilliant students drop out due to financial hardship, not lack of ability, adding that Nigeria’s future depends on supporting such talents.
The initiative will also train at least 10,000 secondary-school teachers in STEM subjects across 39 government colleges. Dangote stressed that the programme is not charity, saying strict systems would ensure transparency, digital disbursement, and tracking of beneficiaries across all 774 local government areas.
Key national institutions, including JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, NECO, and NELFUND, will support verification and implementation. Dangote also committed 25 percent of the Dangote Foundation’s wealth to sustain the programme for generations.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive human capital investments. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised its strong focus on girls’ education and technical skills, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the programme redefines philanthropy in Nigeria.
Dangote urged other Nigerians to invest in education, saying lifting one student ultimately lifts the nation.
