The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced a new scholarship program aimed at supporting undergraduate students in Nigerian federal and state universities. The initiative, led by ADF's Programme Director, Aisha Halima Ilyasu, targets 30,000 beneficiaries in the first phase. The program is part of the Foundation's Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, driven by Aliko Dangote, to give back to society. The scholarship will cover students from all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria.
The scholarship program will focus on students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM) and related disciplines. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5, equivalent to a Second Class Lower Division. Additionally, five percent of the scholarship quota will be reserved for students living with disabilities. Eligible applicants will undergo a selection process before being awarded the scholarship.
The scholarship scheme is set to commence in October 2026, alongside the 2026/2027 academic session. According to Hajia Ilyasu, the program aims to support students and expand access to quality university education. The Foundation's initiative is distinct from the Federal Government's Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), as it offers a non-refundable grant, unlike NELFund's repayable loans.
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, welcomed the scholarship initiative, describing it as a laudable intervention. He pledged the Commission's support for the program and assured the ADF delegation that NUC would engage the Committee of Vice-Chancellors to facilitate awareness and encourage eligible students to apply.
Professor Ribadu noted that Aliko Dangote's philanthropic efforts set a positive example for other well-meaning Nigerians and organizations to follow. He expressed appreciation for the Foundation's commitment to supporting education development in Nigeria. The meeting with NUC officials also included discussions on potential collaborations and awareness campaigns for the scholarship opportunity.
The ADF delegation, which included Health and Nutrition Programme Officer, Maryam Buhari Shehu, and Operations, Delivery and Partnership Manager, Mercy Oguche, was present at the meeting with NUC officials. Other attendees included NUC Directors and representatives from various departments. The meeting aimed to foster collaboration and ensure the successful implementation of the scholarship program.
The Dangote Foundation's scholarship program is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of undergraduate students in Nigeria. With its focus on STEM disciplines and commitment to supporting students with disabilities, the initiative aligns with the Foundation's goal of contributing to the development of education in Nigeria. The program's launch marks a significant milestone in the Foundation's Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.
Key points
- The Aliko Dangote Foundation targets 30,000 undergraduate students in Nigerian public universities for its new scholarship program.
- The scholarship will focus on STEM disciplines and related fields, with a minimum CGPA requirement of 2.5.
- Five percent of the scholarship quota will be reserved for students living with disabilities.
