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

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has praised the Aliko Dangote Foundation for its plan to acquire Initial Public Offering (IPO) shares for eligible Nigerian tertiary institution students.

The initiative could benefit up to four million students aged 18 and above. Each eligible student is expected to receive 10 IPO shares without having to make an initial investment.

In a statement signed on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, Alausa described the plan as an innovative step towards improving financial literacy and promoting youth empowerment.

The minister said the programme would give students practical exposure to the capital market. He added that it could also encourage responsible investment and long-term financial planning.

According to him, such exposure would help young Nigerians prepare for greater economic participation and financial independence.

Alausa linked the initiative to the Federal Government’s Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the programme reflects the need to connect education with enterprise, human capital development and inclusive economic growth.

The minister also reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work with private-sector organisations on initiatives that can improve education.

He said such partnerships remain important for strengthening educational quality, relevance, equity and efficiency. They would also help equip students with skills needed in a changing economy.

However, Alausa stressed that the ministry’s commendation should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any specific investment decision.

He said the ministry recognised the educational and developmental value of the Foundation’s plan, particularly its potential to expose young people to financial planning and wealth creation.

The minister urged other corporate organisations to support similar initiatives that can advance youth development and complement government efforts.

He said purposeful private-sector interventions could help build a generation of financially informed young Nigerians who can contribute meaningfully to the economy.