By Adeola Kunle
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, has applauded Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for their plan to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares in Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The Minister described the initiative as a commendable approach to advancing financial literacy, empowering young people and introducing students to opportunities for long-term wealth creation.
Under the proposed arrangement, each eligible tertiary institution student aged 18 and above is expected to receive 10 IPO shares, with the programme potentially reaching four million students. Beneficiaries would not be required to make an initial financial contribution or purchase the shares themselves.
Dr. Alausa explained that the initiative could provide students with practical insight into how the capital market operates, while encouraging responsible investment practices and sound financial planning.
According to him, exposing young Nigerians to investment opportunities at an early stage would help prepare them for increased economic participation, financial responsibility and greater independence in the future.
The Minister also noted that the initiative reflects the objectives of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in linking education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic advancement.
He stressed that education should not only equip learners with academic knowledge but also prepare them with the understanding and competencies required to navigate an evolving economy.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to building stronger partnerships with private-sector organisations to improve the quality, relevance, equity and efficiency of education across the country.
He added that collaboration between government and responsible corporate institutions remains essential to equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to respond effectively to changing economic realities.
While expressing appreciation for the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s contribution to youth development, the Minister clarified that the Ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental benefits.
He emphasised that the recognition should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular investment decision.
The Minister further urged other corporate organisations to adopt similar purposeful interventions that support young people, strengthen financial awareness and contribute to national development.
He said such partnerships would complement the objectives of NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda by helping to develop a financially informed population, promote economic productivity and nurture future generations of entrepreneurs.
Adeola Kunle
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