Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday inaugurated the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative, describing it as a transformative intervention that will reshape Nigeria’s human capital landscape and expand opportunities for young people nationwide.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, Shettima urged national stakeholders to recommit to building a future in which every Nigerian child can aspire to reach their full potential.
The initiative, introduced by the foundation’s President, Aliko Dangote, is backed by a ₦100 billion annual education support programme, with a projected investment of ₦1 trillion over the next decade. Dangote said the programme will support students across all educational levels through an array of targeted schemes aimed at strengthening learning outcomes and improving access to quality education. He added that beneficiaries will be selected through a transparent, merit-driven process.
The Vice President said Nigeria must confront the implications of rapid population growth, warning that a youthful population becomes a national threat when it is excluded from productive education. He reflected on historical resistance to formal education in parts of the country, observing that lingering distrust and systemic gaps still hinder national progress.
Shettima also emphasised that deliberate reforms are essential to reversing decades-old educational deficits. He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing education reforms, including the rollout of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the strengthening of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the expansion of TETFund’s intervention footprint and the acceleration of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes. He added that digital learning has been mainstreamed as a core national priority.
In his remarks, Dangote announced partnerships with NELFUND, NECO, WAEC and other government institutions to ensure accountability and fairness in the delivery of the scholarship schemes. He disclosed that he has dedicated 25 percent of his personal wealth to the foundation—an endowment that will continue beyond his lifetime.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the programme as one of the most comprehensive education support interventions in Nigeria’s history. He noted that 25 percent of the scholarship slots have been reserved for persons with disabilities, calling it an inclusive and humane approach aligned with the Federal Government’s reform agenda.
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised the initiative, particularly its prioritisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training. She said expanding opportunities for girls’ education remains one of the most effective tools for societal transformation.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of state governors, commended Dangote’s long-standing support for Nigeria’s young population. He stated that Lagos has allocated 10 percent of its annual budget to education and pledged that state governments would collaborate to ensure the programme’s success.
Traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also applauded the foundation’s commitment to improving lives. The Emir of Lafia and Chair of the Steering Committee, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), pledged the committee’s dedication to ensuring the long-term success and measurable impact of the initiative.
