The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the Aliko Dangote Foundation for plans to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares in Dangote Refinery for up to four million eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.

Alausa described the initiative as an innovative approach to promoting financial literacy, youth empowerment and wealth creation among Nigerian students.

Under the proposed programme, each eligible student aged 18 and above is expected to receive 10 IPO shares without having to make an initial investment or purchase the shares personally.

The minister said the initiative would provide students with practical exposure to the capital market, responsible investing and long-term financial planning, thereby preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.

He added that the programme aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in linking education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.

According to him, the initiative demonstrates the potential of private-sector partnerships to complement government efforts towards improving educational outcomes and preparing young Nigerians for the demands of a changing economy.

Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with corporate organisations and other private-sector stakeholders to enhance the quality, relevance, equity and efficiency of education in the country.

He also expressed appreciation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its commitment to youth development, noting that initiatives that combine education with economic opportunities could help build a financially informed and economically productive generation.

However, the minister clarified that the Ministry’s commendation was based on the educational and developmental value of the proposed initiative and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any particular investment decision.

He urged other corporate organisations to emulate the initiative by supporting programmes that promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

The minister said such partnerships would contribute to the objectives of NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda by equipping young Nigerians with the knowledge and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in the nation’s economic development.