The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s plan to acquire initial public offering (IPO) shares in Dangote Refinery for up to four million Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Under the proposed initiative, eligible students aged 18 and above are expected to receive 10 shares each without having to make an initial investment or purchase the shares themselves.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among Nigerian students.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the minister said the programme would provide students with practical exposure to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning.
He noted that the initiative would prepare young Nigerians for greater economic participation and financial independence.
According to him, the programme aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by linking education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to improve the quality, relevance, equity and efficiency of education.
He added that such collaborations were essential to equipping learners with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a changing economy.
While appreciating the foundation’s contribution to youth development, Alausa clarified that the ministry’s commendation was limited to the initiative’s educational and developmental benefits and did not amount to an endorsement of any particular investment decision.
He also urged other corporate organisations to emulate the initiative by supporting NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a financially informed and economically productive generation of young Nigerians and entrepreneurs.
