The Federal Government has commended Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire shares in Dangote Refinery’s proposed initial public offering (IPO) for eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students, in a move aimed at promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation.
Under the proposed initiative, each eligible student aged 18 years and above is expected to receive 10 IPO shares, with the programme potentially benefiting up to four million students without requiring them to make an initial investment or purchase the shares themselves.
Maruf Tunji Alausa, minister of education, described the initiative as an innovative approach to exposing young Nigerians to capital markets and encouraging responsible investing and long-term financial planning.
According to a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, director of press and public relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Alausa said the programme could prepare students for greater economic participation and financial independence.
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 ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with private-sector organisations to improve the quality, relevance, equity and efficiency of education while equipping learners with skills needed in a changing economy.
Alausa also appreciated the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its contribution to youth development and called on other corporate organisations to support initiatives that promote financial awareness, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
However, the minister clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value and did not amount to an endorsement of any particular investment decision.
The proposed share allocation would give eligible students an opportunity to gain practical exposure to share ownership and capital-market participation, although the statement did not provide details on the IPO timeline or the process for determining and enrolling beneficiaries.
The ministry said the initiative supports efforts to build a financially informed and economically productive generation, in line with the government’s education and development priorities.
