Dangote Commits ₦1 Trillion to Transform Education Through National Scholarship Scheme.
csrreporters 
Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced the launch of a ₦1 trillion scholarship scheme aimed at transforming access to education for Nigerian students across the country.
The landmark initiative, unveiled on Monday, is designed to provide long-term financial support for brilliant but indigent students at secondary and tertiary levels, with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), medicine, and other critical fields needed for Nigeria’s development.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dangote described education as the most powerful tool for national growth, stressing that no country can achieve sustainable economic progress without investing heavily in its human capital.
“This scholarship scheme is about the future of Nigeria,” Dangote said. “We have millions of talented young people whose dreams are cut short because of financial constraints. Through this initiative, we want to remove those barriers and give them the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
According to details released by the Dangote Foundation, the ₦1 trillion fund will be disbursed over several years and will cover tuition fees, accommodation, books, and living expenses for selected beneficiaries. The scheme is also expected to include mentorship programmes, internship placements within Dangote Group companies, and post-graduation career support.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as one of the largest private-sector investments in education in Nigeria’s history. Analysts say the programme could significantly reduce dropout rates and help bridge the skills gap in key sectors of the economy.
The Federal Ministry of Education also commended the move, calling it a model for other corporate organisations and high-net-worth individuals to support national development.
Applications for the first phase of the scholarship are expected to open later in the year, with selection based on academic merit, financial need, and regional balance.
With this bold move, Dangote has once again reinforced his reputation not only as an industrialist, but as a major driver of social and human capital development in Nigeria.