‘No nation rises above its schools’ — why Dangote’s new education fund matters

By the time Aliko Dangote stepped up to the podium on Thursday, in Lagos, the message was already clear: this was not another ceremonial donation, but a long-term wager on Nigeria’s future.

Inside a hall filled with Nigeria’s top political leaders, policymakers, educationists, and business leaders, Dangote, chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and group president of Dangote Industries Limited, announced what he described as the most ambitious education intervention ever undertaken by a private African foundation. It is a N100 billion annual programme designed to keep Nigerian children in school.

“This is a defining moment for us,” Dangote said, wearing a flowing agbada and a well-matched cap.

“And I believe it is a significant turning point for education in Nigeria.”

Over the next 10 years, the initiative will cost more than N1 trillion and is projected to support more than 1.3 million students across the country, from secondary school girls at risk of dropping out to undergraduates studying science and engineering and young Nigerians learning technical trades.

At its heart is a simple argument Dangote returned to repeatedly, “No nation can rise beyond the quality of education it gives its young people.”

Dangote spoke with the certainty of a man convinced that education is not charity but infrastructure.

“For over 30 years, we have invested in health, nutrition and humanitarian support,” he said.

“But one truth remains constant: no nation can rise above the quality of education it offers its young people.”

Beginning in 2026, the foundation will support 45,000 new scholars every year. By the fourth year, the number of beneficiaries will rise to 155,000 annually and remain at that level for a decade.

The programmes have been carefully structured to target students most vulnerable to dropping out because of poverty, those Dangote said were being “pushed out of school not because they lack talent, but because they lack support”.

“We cannot allow financial hardship to silence the dreams of our young people,” he added.

“Not when the future of our nation depends on them.”

FROM STEM TO SKILLS

The largest slice of the programme is the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars, which will support 30,000 undergraduates every year in public universities and polytechnics. Tuition support will be aligned with the actual fees of each institution and course of study.

“STEM drives development,” Dangote said.

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

Alongside this is the Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars scheme, providing annual support for 5,000 students in public technical and vocational institutions. With tuition now free for federal TVET students, the foundation will focus on funding tools, materials and other essentials.

“A skilled workforce is the backbone of any strong economy,” Dangote added.

“A nation that builds cannot prosper without people who know how to build.”

Perhaps the most emotionally charged programme is the MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars, named after Dangote’s daughters: Mariya, Halima and Fatima. It will support 20,000 public-school girls every year from JSS1 to SSS3, covering uniforms, books and learning materials, and continue supporting them through tertiary education.

“No country moves forward when its girls are left behind,” Dangote said, noting that priority would be given to states with the highest numbers of out-of-school girls.

The initiative also includes a nationwide teacher training programme, beginning with 10,000 secondary school teachers in STEM subjects across the six geopolitical zones.

“Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy. Every student we support reduces inequality,” the philanthropist said.

TRACKING EVERY STUDENT, EVERY NAIRA

Dangote stressed that the programme would be run with strict transparency and measurable outcomes. Students will be allocated across all 774 local government areas, based on indicators such as out-of-school rates and the number of LGAs per state.

Applications and disbursements will be fully digital, with verification handled in partnership with institutions such as JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC and NECO.

“Every application will be verified. Every disbursement will be digital. Every scholar will be tracked,” he said.

Oversight will be provided by a programme steering committee chaired by Sidi Bage, emir of Lafia, with Chris Ogbechie, former dean of Lagos Business School, as programme coordinator.

Beyond the numbers, Dangote framed the initiative as a personal and generational commitment. He disclosed that he is formalising a pledge to allocate 25% of his wealth to the foundation, with the education programme designed to run “for generations of the Dangote family”.

“This is only the beginning. A single organisation cannot solve Nigeria’s education challenges alone. The government has a role. The private sector has a role. Communities and families have a role,” Dangote said.

“The future of Nigeria must not be defined by the children we fail to educate. It must be defined by the millions we empower, uplift and prepare for leadership.”

He praised the federal government’s education agenda under Bola Tinubu, president of Nigeria, and acknowledged the role of state governments and education agencies in supporting learners during difficult economic times.

As the applause faded, the ambition lingered, a bet that classrooms, not commodities, will ultimately decide Nigeria’s future.