Dangote Foundation Launches ₦100bn Scholarship Programme to Transform Nigeria’s Education Human Capital

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday officially inaugurated the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative in Lagos, marking a major boost to Nigeria’s education sector and addressing the country’s pressing human capital challenges in West Africa.

The launch introduced a ₦100 billion annual scholarship programme, part of a ten-year ₦1 trillion commitment, aimed at expanding access to quality education and strengthening learning outcomes nationwide.

Speaking at the event on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima urged stakeholders in both public and private sectors to recommit to creating an inclusive education system where every Nigerian child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. He praised Aliko Dangote’s philanthropic vision, describing education as a critical driver of social and economic transformation.

Shettima highlighted Nigeria and West Africa’s current position as regions with low Human Capital Index rankings, stressing that a youthful population can only be a national asset when adequately educated. “Without education, our youth risk becoming a threat to themselves and the nation,” he cautioned.

He emphasized that the Tinubu administration’s reforms, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), strengthened UBEC operations, expanded TETFund interventions, scaled up technical and vocational education, and mainstreamed digital learning, are all aimed at closing long-standing gaps in the education sector.

“Education is a survival strategy. Our National Human Capital Development Programme treats this as a national emergency,” Shettima added.

Describing Aliko Dangote as a visionary philanthropist, Shettima noted that the industrialist has become one of the most consequential private investors in rescuing Nigeria’s critical education sector.

Dangote, speaking at the launch, confirmed that the ₦100 billion annual scholarship programme will operate on a transparent, merit-based selection system. He also announced partnerships with NELFUND, NECO, WAEC, and other agencies to ensure accountability and effective implementation. Dangote disclosed that he has committed 25 percent of his personal wealth to the foundation, establishing an endowment that will extend beyond his lifetime.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the scheme as one of the most comprehensive human capital initiatives in Nigeria’s history, highlighting that 25 percent of all scholarship slots will be reserved for persons living with disabilities.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised the initiative, noting that expanded opportunities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) would create new pathways for millions of Nigerian youths. She emphasized that investment in girls’ education remains one of the most effective strategies for societal progress.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, lauded Dangote for redefining philanthropy and pledged state-level collaboration. Lagos has already allocated 10 percent of its 2026 budget to education. Traditional leaders, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage, also extended goodwill messages, with Justice Bage assuring the public of strict oversight and long-term outcomes.

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Vision 2030 logo, symbolizing the foundation’s decade-long commitment to rebuilding Nigeria’s education pipeline and strengthening human capital development nationwide. The launch brought together senior government officials, development partners, traditional rulers, and private-sector leaders, reflecting a landmark moment in Nigeria’s education landscape.