Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has announced the largest private-sector education intervention in Nigeria’s history — a ₦100 billion annual education support initiative expected to reach 1.3 million Nigerian students over the next decade.
Speaking at the launch event on Thursday, Dangote described the programme as “a defining moment” for the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and “a significant turning point for education in Nigeria.”
For over 30 years, the foundation has invested in health, nutrition, and humanitarian support. But Dangote said the new focus on education addresses the root of Nigeria’s long-term development challenges.
“No nation can rise above the quality of education it offers its young people,” he said. “We cannot allow financial hardship to silence the dreams of our youth.”
A ₦1 Trillion Commitment Over 10 Years
The initiative — projected to cost ₦1 trillion over 10 years, with a mid-term review in year five — will begin disbursements in January 2026.
The Aliko Dangote Foundation plans to support:
- 45,000 new scholars every year
- 155,000 beneficiaries annually by year four
- 1,325,000 students by the end of the first decade
The Foundation will implement four key programs: the Dangote STEM Scholars, Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars, MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls’ Scholarship, and the Dangote Teachers Training Program.
The Dangote STEM Scholars aims to empower 30,000 undergraduates every year across public universities and polytechnics. The focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics reflects Dangote’s belief that Nigeria cannot compete globally without cultivating innovators.
"Each scholar will receive support aligned with the activities of their institution and program of study," the industrial said, in a room packed with no fewer than five state governors, Nigeria's education minister, top bankers, and monarchs.
"STEM drives development. If Nigeria must compete globally, our young minds must have the tools to learn, imagine, and innovate."
Complementing this is the Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars programme, aimed at 5,000 young Nigerians annually, enrolled in technical and vocational institutions.
With the government’s free TVET tuition policy now in place, the foundation is setting a goal of ensuring that students can access the tools, materials, and resources they need to complete hands-on training.
With the MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls’ Scholarship — named after Dangote’s daughters, Maria, Halima, and Fatima — Dangote said his foundation will yearly empower 20,000 public school girls from JSS1 to JSS3 with uniforms, books, and essential learning materials, and will continue to receive support through tertiary education.
The programme prioritises states with the highest numbers of out-of-school children, reinforcing Dangote’s stance that “no country moves forward when its girls are left behind.”
The billionaire said the Teachers Training Program will begin with 10,000 STEM teachers across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
Dangote stressed that the initiative is “not only charity but a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” aimed at reducing inequality and strengthening the economy.
Strict Transparency Measures
Dangote said all applications will be verified, disbursements will be digital, and scholars will be tracked throughout their educational journey.
Support will be allocated across all 774 local government areas using criteria such as out-of-school rates and LGA distribution.
A high-level Program Steering Committee will oversee implementation, chaired by His Highness Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, the Emir of Lafia, with Dr. Chris Ogbechie, Professor of Strategic Management and former dean of Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, serving as the Program Coordinator.
Prof. Murtala Sagagi, the dean of the Dangote Business School, Bayero University, Kano, will serve as the Deputy Coordinator.
Other members include senior academics, foundation advisers, and Dangote family members.
The program’s long-term sustainability is secured through a formal commitment of 25% of Dangote's wealth to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, already validated by his family, the businessman said.
