University students across Nigeria have welcomed the Aliko Dangote Foundation's Student Share Grant Initiative, describing it as a rare opportunity to enter the capital market early and gain practical investment experience. The initiative, launched alongside the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE's Initial Public Offering (IPO), allows eligible students to purchase a minimum of 10 shares through a dedicated platform. For every qualifying subscription, the Foundation provides an additional 10 shares at no extra cost.
The programme aims to widen participation in the Dangote Refinery IPO and introduce young Nigerians to investing, ownership, and long-term wealth creation. Eligible students aged 18 years and above in public and private tertiary institutions can participate. The Foundation reinforced the initiative through an online engagement with campus journalists, discussing the refinery IPO, financial literacy, and responsible investing. This has triggered conversations across campuses, with students describing the initiative as an opportunity to move beyond theoretical knowledge to actual participation.
Students have expressed enthusiasm for the programme, citing its potential to change how young Nigerians perceive saving, investment, and wealth creation. Amaechi Rosemary, a University of Ibadan student, said the programme removes barriers that traditionally discourage young people from investing. Emmanuel Ndah, another University of Ibadan student, described the initiative as both educational and empowering, teaching important lessons about investing and financial responsibility.
Moshood Muheeb of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, believes the initiative sends a powerful message about the capacity of Nigerian youths to participate responsibly in wealth creation. Esther Olatunji of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said the programme could help create a generation of young Nigerians with stronger investment habits. Students also noted that the initiative has begun stimulating discussions around campuses on saving, investing, and asset ownership.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said the initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering young people beyond conventional educational support. He believes exposing youths to ownership and investment at an early stage can influence their financial decisions and encourage greater participation in the formal economy. Dangote added that the initiative aims to help students understand the value of saving, investing wisely, and building wealth through ownership.
Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, said the programme combines financial education with practical investment experience. She stressed that financial literacy becomes more meaningful when young people are given an opportunity to apply what they learn. According to her, students participating in the initiative will experience the investment process firsthand, from verification and subscription to share ownership.
The Student Share Grant Initiative forms part of the Foundation's broader focus on education, economic inclusion, and youth empowerment. Eligible students can complete the verification process through the Foundation's dedicated platform before subscribing for the minimum 10 shares and qualifying for the additional 10 shares funded by the Foundation. The initiative aims to encourage investment participation among Nigerian youths and create a new generation of financially informed investors.
Key points
- The Aliko Dangote Foundation's Student Share Grant Initiative provides eligible students with a rare opportunity to enter the capital market early and gain practical investment experience.
- The programme aims to introduce young Nigerians to investing, ownership, and long-term wealth creation.
- The initiative has sparked conversations across campuses, stimulating discussions on saving, investing, and asset ownership among young Nigerians.
