Vice President Kashim Shettima has inaugurated the Aliko Dangote Foundation Education Scholarship Initiative, urging stakeholders to recommit to building a future where every Nigerian child can reach their full potential.
The launch coincided with the unveiling of a ₦100 billion annual education support programme by the Foundation’s President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, designed to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector and expand access to quality learning nationwide.
The initiative, expected to cost ₦1 trillion over ten years, will support students across multiple levels through a series of targeted interventions.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos, the Vice President praised Dangote’s philanthropic commitment, noting that education remains a powerful tool for national transformation.
He stressed the need for deliberate investments to give children a fair chance to excel.
Shettima called on the private sector to view itself as a key stakeholder in the survival of Nigeria’s education system, urging corporations to complement government efforts.
He warned that Nigeria must confront the consequences of its fast-growing population, arguing that a youthful society becomes an asset only when educated, otherwise it risks becoming a threat to national stability.
Reflecting on historical resistance to formal education, Shettima said the suspicion that once surrounded education still affects the nation’s progress, and only intentional action can close the gap.
He highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), strengthened UBEC interventions, expanded TETFUND support, scaled-up technical and vocational training, and the mainstreaming of digital learning.
Decrying West Africa’s position as the region with the world’s lowest Human Capital Index, Shettima said Nigeria must treat education as a survival strategy.
He described the National Human Capital Development Programme as a national emergency requiring joint action from states, partners, and the private sector.
The Vice President described Dangote as a “colossus,” noting that his philanthropy is structural, visionary, and generational. He commended the ₦100 billion annual education scheme as a major intervention in Nigeria’s most critical sector.
Dangote, in his remarks, said beneficiaries of the scholarship programme will be selected through a transparent and merit-based process. He announced partnerships with NELFUND, NECO, WAEC, and other agencies to ensure accountability, adding that he has dedicated 25 percent of his personal wealth to the foundation beyond his lifetime.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, hailed the programme as one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive human capital development efforts, noting that 25 percent of the scholarships will be reserved for persons with disabilities.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised the foundation’s investment in education, particularly its focus on TVET and girls’ education, describing it as essential for societal progress.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended Dangote’s commitment to youth development and pledged state governments’ support, highlighting Lagos’ allocation of 10 percent of its budget to education.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also applauded the initiative, encouraging further efforts to uplift Nigerians.
Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Foundation and Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd), pledged the committee’s commitment to ensuring the programme’s long-term success.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the Vision 2030 ₦100 billion logo of the Dangote Foundation.
Bello Wakili
