The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for a planned initiative to provide up to four million Nigerian tertiary institution students with shares in Dangote Refinery through its Initial Public Offering (IPO).
Under the proposed initiative, each eligible student aged 18 and above is expected to receive 10 IPO shares, potentially giving millions of young Nigerians an opportunity to participate in the capital market without having to purchase the shares themselves.
Alausa described the plan as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation, noting that it would expose students to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning.
The minister said the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by linking education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
He 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 while equipping learners with skills to thrive in a changing economy.
While appreciating the Foundation’s contribution to youth development, Alausa clarified that the Ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value and should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular investment decision.
He also urged other corporate organisations to emulate such initiatives and support efforts to build a financially informed, economically productive generation of young Nigerians and future entrepreneurs.
