The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its plan to acquire Initial Public Offering, IPO, shares in Dangote Refinery on behalf of up to four million Nigerian tertiary institution students, describing the initiative as a boost to financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation.
Under the proposed initiative, each eligible student aged 18 and above is expected to receive 10 IPO shares, potentially benefiting four million students without requiring them to make an initial investment or purchase the shares themselves.
Alausa said the initiative would provide students with practical exposure to capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, equipping them with the knowledge to participate more effectively in the economy and pursue financial independence.
The Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said in a statement that 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.
She said the Federal Ministry of Education remains committed 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.
While appreciating the Foundation’s contribution to youth development, the Minister clarified that the Ministry’s commendation was based on the initiative’s educational and developmental value and did not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.
He urged other corporate organisations to emulate such purposeful initiatives and support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda in building a financially informed, economically productive generation of young Nigerians and future entrepreneurs.
