New hope for students as Dangote invests billions in education reform

Vice President Kashim Shettima has launched the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative and called on the private sector to support Nigeria’s education system.

The event was held on Thursday in Lagos, where Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, announced a ₦100 billion yearly scholarship programme.

The programme will run for 10 years, costing ₦1 trillion, and aims to improve education and help young Nigerians gain access to quality learning.

Speaking at the event, the Vice President praised Dangote’s large and consistent support for education. He said education has the power to change lives and that those who understand this must help carry the responsibility.

Shettima urged private companies to see themselves as partners in saving Nigeria’s education system. He explained that with Nigeria’s fast-growing population, young people can only become a national asset if they are well educated.

He also noted that Nigeria is still living with the effects of a past where some people viewed formal education with suspicion.

According to him, this misunderstanding has slowed national progress, and only deliberate efforts not miracles can fix the problem.

The Vice President highlighted the Tinubu administration’s reforms, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), designed to make education more accessible to all.

Shettima expressed concern that West Africa now has the lowest Human Capital Index in the world and stressed that Nigeria must invest in education as a matter of survival.

He added that government, development partners, the private sector, and civil society are working together to rebuild the country’s human capital.

Praising Dangote further, Shettima said the businessman’s philanthropy goes beyond short-term donations—it is long-term, structured, and focused on future generations.

Dangote explained that the ₦100 billion yearly programme will be transparent and merit-based. He announced partnerships with NELFUND, NECO, WAEC, and other agencies to ensure fairness.

He also revealed that he has committed 25% of his personal wealth to the foundation, even beyond his lifetime.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa described the initiative as one of the most comprehensive education support programmes in the country’s history. He said 25% of the scholarships will go to people living with disabilities.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said the programme, especially its focus on technical and vocational training (TVET), will create new opportunities for Nigerian children. She added that investing in girls’ education is one of the strongest ways to improve societies.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking for all state governors, praised the Dangote Foundation for raising the standard of philanthropy in Nigeria.

He said Lagos has already allocated 10% of its budget to education and will support the initiative.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also applauded the effort and encouraged Dangote to continue helping Nigerians.

Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Foundation, promised that the committee will work hard to ensure the programme succeeds.