The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its plan to acquire shares in Dangote Refinery’s proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO) for up to four million eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.
Under the proposed initiative, each eligible student aged 18 and above is expected to receive 10 shares without having to make an initial investment or purchase the shares personally.
Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among Nigerian students.
According to a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on Monday, the minister said the programme would provide students with practical exposure to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, potentially preparing them 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 by linking education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to improve the quality, relevance, equity and efficiency of education while equipping learners with skills needed to thrive in a changing economy.
Alausa also appreciated the foundation’s contribution to youth development, noting that the initiative could help cultivate a financially informed generation.
However, he clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the programme’s educational and developmental value and did not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.
He urged other corporate organisations to emulate such initiatives and support efforts to build a financially literate, economically productive generation of entrepreneurs.
