The Aliko Dangote Foundation has announced plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares in Dangote Refinery for up to four million Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Under the initiative, each eligible student aged 18 and above is expected to receive 10 shares without having to make an initial investment.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, commended the foundation, describing the initiative as “an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation.”
In a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, Alausa said the programme would expose students to investment opportunities and encourage responsible financial decisions.
He noted that the initiative would provide students with “practical exposure to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning.”
According to the minister, this would prepare young Nigerians for “greater economic participation and financial independence.”
Alausa said the programme aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the initiative connects education with “enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.”
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with private organisations to improve educational quality and prepare students for the changing demands of the economy.
He said the ministry remained committed to “improving educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency while equipping learners with skills for a changing economy.”
Alausa also commended the foundation’s contribution to youth development and urged other corporate organisations to support similar programmes.
He encouraged businesses to support efforts to build “a financially informed, economically productive and generations of entrepreneurs.”
However, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular investment.
He stressed that the ministry’s position “does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.”
The initiative is expected to benefit up to four million eligible tertiary institution students, potentially introducing more young Nigerians to share ownership and financial planning.