The national President of NAPS HE Comr Eshiofune Paul Oghayan had the privilege of attending the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Initiatives Launch Event, held on 11th December 2025 at Eko Hotel, Lagos.
In his compelling address, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation [ADF] and President/CEO of Dangote Industries Limited, unveiled a far-reaching educational vision designed to stand as his enduring legacy. He announced the dedication of 25% of his personal wealth to charity, with an initial $700 million [₦1 trillion+] commitment to educational development over the next decade, including an annual investment of ₦100 billion.
According to Dangote, the initiative will support 45,000 new beneficiaries annually from 2026, rising to 155,000 students per year by its fourth year, and sustaining that level for the following decade. By the end of its first ten years, the programme is projected to impact over 1.3 million students across all 774 local government areas of Nigeria.
The education initiative features four core programmes targeted at the most critical areas of educational exclusion.
A major component, the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars Programme, will sponsor 30,000 undergraduate students annually across public universities, polytechnics, and secondary schools, covering tuition aligned with verified institutional fees.
Similarly, the Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars Programme will support 5,000 students each year in public technical and vocational institutions, providing essential tools, materials, and training support; complementing the Federal Government’s recent approval of free tuition for TVET students.
He further emphasized that the initiative will operate through a transparent, merit-based, and fully digital system for verification, disbursement, and monitoring. Implementation will be strengthened through partnerships with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO, ensuring integrity and nationwide reach.
As part of this historic event, the venue hosted some of Nigeria’s most distinguished leaders: the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Kashim Shettima, GCON; the Vice President Dangote Industries, Engr. Devakumar Edwin, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON; the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, SSA on student engagement to President FRN, Hon. Sunday Dayo Asefon; State Governors, Traditional Rulers, Federal Ministers, Captains of Industry, as well as the Presidents of NANS, NAUS, NANCES, NFSAN and several other eminent personalities demonstrating broad national support for this transformative agenda.
On behalf of over 28.1 million students under NAPS, the national President of NAPS commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote for this monumental and visionary contribution to Nigeria’s educational renaissance.
His unparalleled commitment to youth development and national progress stands as a shining example of patriotic philanthropy. This investment is not merely an act of charity; it is a deliberate effort to secure Nigeria’s future by empowering millions through education.
We also extend sincere commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for standing firmly with Alhaji Aliko Dangote and for providing leadership that supports large-scale, private-sector-driven interventions in education.
His administration’s openness to collaboration and innovation is accelerating the growth and transformation of Nigeria’s human capital landscape.
Together, this partnership between government and philanthropy marks a new chapter for Nigeria one defined by hope, opportunity, and a shared vision for a more educated and prosperous nation.
