Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has pledged 25 percent of his personal wealth to launch a N1 trillion education fund. The programme will support students across Nigeria and run for the next ten years.
The fund aims to remove financial barriers that keep millions of young Nigerians out of school. Dangote said the initiative is a long-term investment in the country’s future. “Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy. Every student we support reduces inequality,” he said.
The programme will focus on vulnerable learners, offering scholarships, technical training, and teacher development. It will start by supporting 45,000 students in 2026. By the fourth year, it will help 155,000 students every year. Over ten years, it will benefit 1.3 million students across all 774 local government areas.
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The Aliko Dangote Foundation will use a merit-based digital system for applications, payments, and progress tracking. It will work with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO to ensure smooth operations.
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the initiative. “A population becomes a liability only when it is uneducated,” he said. Education Minister Tunji Alausa, state governors, and traditional leaders also commended Dangote’s effort.
Dangote said the fund is just the start. He wants every Nigerian child to have a chance to learn, grow, and succeed.