Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Group, has introduced a yearly N100 billion scholarship programme designed to support students across the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that the initiative was announced in Lagos on Thursday during the formal launch of the national scholarship scheme.
Dangote said many intelligent students drop out of school because they cannot afford to continue their education. He described education as the “strongest engine of social mobility” and a key driver of national progress.
The new programme, funded through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, is expected to cost more than N1 trillion over ten years starting in 2026.
He said, “We cannot allow financial hardship to silence the dreams of our young people, not when the future of our nation depends on their skills, resilience, and leadership.”
According to him, the scheme will begin by supporting 45,000 new students every year and will grow to 155,000 yearly beneficiaries by its fourth year, a level that will continue for the rest of the decade. By 2036, the project is projected to have helped 1,325,000 students.
A key part of the programme is The Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars, which will sponsor 30,000 undergraduate students each year in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across public universities and polytechnics. Each student will get tuition support based on the fees of their institution and chosen course.
He said, “STEM drives development. If Nigeria must compete globally, our young minds must have the tools to learn, imagine and innovate.”
Dangote added that the scholarship will widen access to higher education and help keep students facing financial pressure from leaving school.
