Alausa Hails Dangote Foundation’s Plan to Give IPO Shares to 4m Students

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its plan to acquire Initial Public Offering shares of Dangote Refinery on behalf of eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.

The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026, describing the initiative as an innovative way to promote financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation.

Under the programme, each eligible student aged 18 and above is expected to receive 10 IPO shares, with the initiative potentially benefiting up to four million students without requiring them to make any prior investment or purchase shares.

Alausa said the initiative would give students practical exposure to the capital market while encouraging responsible investment and long-term financial planning.

According to him, the programme would prepare young Nigerians for greater economic participation and financial independence.

The minister said the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative and President Bola 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 the private sector to improve the quality, relevance, equity and efficiency of education while equipping learners with skills needed in a changing economy.

Alausa also encouraged other corporate organisations to emulate the initiative and support efforts aimed at building a financially informed and economically productive generation of young entrepreneurs.

The minister, however, clarified that the ministry’s commendation of the initiative recognises its educational and developmental value and does not constitute an endorsement of any particular investment decision.