Dangote Unveils N100bn Scholarship Fund To Support 1.3 Million Nigerians

Aliko Dangote, chairman of the Dangote Group, has unveiled a N100 billion yearly education support programme aimed at helping Nigerian students.

Speaking at the launch of the national scholarship scheme in Lagos on Thursday, Dangote said many talented students are forced to drop out simply because they cannot afford their education.

The Africa’s richest person described education as the most effective tool for breaking poverty and building a stronger nation.

The new scholarship programme, which will be funded by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, is expected to cost more than N1 trillion over the next decade, starting in 2026.

‘We cannot allow financial hardship to silence the dreams of our young people, not when the future of our nation depends on their skills, resilience and leadership,” he said.

Dangote said the scheme will support 45,000 new students each year at the start and will grow to 155,000 beneficiaries annually by the fourth year.

According to him, the number will be maintained for the rest of the ten-year period. By 2036, a total of 1,325,000 students are expected to have benefited.

A key part of the programme is the “Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars,” which will fund 30,000 undergraduate students every year in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at public universities and polytechnics nationwide.

Dangote said each student will receive tuition support based on the fees charged by their institution and chosen course.

“STEM drives development. If Nigeria must compete globally, our young minds must have the tools to learn, imagine and innovate,” he said.

He added that the initiative is designed to widen access to higher education and help financially vulnerable students remain in school.

KanyiDaily recalls that Aliko Dangote reached a $30 billion net worth, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index as of October 23, 2025.