The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has praised the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s plan to empower Nigerian students through free Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares of Dangote Refinery.
The initiative will see eligible tertiary institution students aged 18 years and above receive 10 IPO shares each, with about four million students expected to benefit.
Alausa said the programme would expose young Nigerians to investment opportunities, financial literacy and wealth creation.
The minister said the initiative would help students understand capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning.
In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, he said the programme supports the Federal Government’s efforts to link education with enterprise and human capital development.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Alausa commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the foundation for supporting youth empowerment and encouraging economic inclusion among students.
He, however, clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the educational value of the initiative and not an endorsement of any investment decision.
The minister urged more private organisations to support programmes that promote skills development, entrepreneurship and financial awareness among young Nigerians.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnerships that will improve education quality and prepare students for a changing economy.