By Gabriel Ameh
The Aliko Dangote Foundation plans to acquire initial public offering (IPO) shares in Dangote Refinery for up to four million eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students, a move the Federal Government says could promote financial literacy and youth empowerment.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, commended the initiative in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on October 19, 2026.
Under the proposed programme, each eligible student aged 18 and above is expected to receive 10 IPO shares without having to purchase the shares personally, according to the ministry.
The initiative could expose students to the workings of the capital market and introduce them to responsible investing, long-term financial planning and wealth creation.
Alausa described the plan as an innovative approach to preparing young Nigerians for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He said the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly their focus on human capital development, enterprise and inclusive economic growth.
The minister also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with private-sector organisations to improve the quality, relevance, equity and efficiency of education while equipping learners with skills needed in a changing economy.
However, Alausa clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental potential and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular investment decision.
He urged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that promote youth development, financial awareness and entrepreneurship.
The foundation’s plan could offer millions of students an introduction to share ownership, although details of eligibility, implementation and the eventual share allocation will be important in determining how the programme benefits students.
Source: Federal Ministry of Education press release, October 19, 2026. By Boriowo Folasade, Director, Press and Public Relations.
