The Nigerian Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its share grant initiative aimed at Nigerian tertiary students. The program, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, provides students with equity shares in the Dangote Refinery.
The initiative, announced in Abuja, is part of a broader effort to integrate students into the country’s economic growth. Students who participate in the program receive a percentage of shares in the refinery, which is one of Africa’s largest petrochemical projects. The shares are valued at approximately 100,000 naira each, with the goal of fostering financial literacy and long-term investment habits among young professionals.
This marks the first time a Nigerian private sector entity has directly offered equity to students. The Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, is expected to generate over 100,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP. The share grant is seen as a strategic move to align education with economic development, ensuring graduates are not only skilled but also invested in the country’s future.
The initiative follows a growing trend of corporate social responsibility in Nigeria, where businesses are increasingly engaging in educational and economic empowerment programs. The Ministry of Education has expressed confidence that the program will enhance student motivation and create a new generation of financially aware professionals.
