By Stella Odueme
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 young Nigerians.
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.
The minister, in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, on Monday, said the initiative would provide students with practical exposure to capital markets, responsible investment and long-term financial planning, thereby preparing them for greater economic participation and financial independence.
He noted that the programme 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.
Alausa reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to improve the quality, relevance, equity and efficiency of education while equipping learners with the 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 also urged other corporate organisations to emulate such initiatives and support NESRI and the Renewed Hope Agenda to promote financial literacy, economic productivity and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.