NEWS
Dangote Unveils ₦1 Trillion Scholarship Scheme for 1.3 Million Nigerian Students
Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced a ₦1 trillion scholarship programme to expand access to education and promote academic excellence across Nigeria.
Biztellers reports that starting in 2026, the initiative will support over 1.3 million students from all 774 local government areas, with ₦100 billion committed annually for 10 years.
The programme targets Nigeria’s most vulnerable learners and is structured into three categories: Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars – 30,000 undergraduates in public universities and polytechnics will receive tuition support of up to ₦600,000 per year; Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars – 5,000 TVET trainees will get essential study materials and technical tools; MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars – 10,000 girls in public schools will receive uniforms, books, and learning supplies, prioritizing states with high out-of-school rates.
To be Implemented in partnership with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO, the scheme will use a merit-based, fully digital system for selection and disbursement. Dangote emphasized that this is a strategic investment in human capital, aimed at reducing inequality and driving national development.
The initiative aligns with government education reforms and will be overseen by a Programme Steering Committee chaired by Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Dauda Bage. Dangote pledged 25% of his wealth to sustain the programme, with progress reviewed under Dangote Group’s Vision 2030 strategy.
The programme is to be implemented through strong collaboration with national institutions including NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC, and NECO, ensuring transparent beneficiary selection, verification, and efficient digital disbursement. Heads of all the agencies were present at the launch.
Dangote said the intervention is aimed at Nigeria’s most vulnerable learners, noting that financial hardship, not lack of talent, is the primary reason many drop out of school.
“This is not only charity. This is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. Every child we keep in school strengthens our economy. Every student we support reduces inequality. Every scholar we empower becomes a future contributor to national development,” he said. “Our young people are not asking for handouts. They are asking for opportunities. They are asking for a chance to learn, to grow, to compete and to succeed. And we believe they deserve that chance.”
Dangote, who said the ADF which has historically focused on health and nutrition as core areas of human capital development emphasized that the current economic climate has made educational support an urgent imperative.
Said he: “No young person should have their future cut short because of financial hardship. We are stepping forward to ensure students stay in school and pursue their ambitions. This initiative is more than financial aid—it is an investment in human capital, with ripple effects on economies, societies, and future generations. When a student gets a scholarship, entire communities stand to benefit.”
He described education as “the foundation on which every prosperous society is built”, calling it the most powerful equaliser and the strongest engine of social mobility. Despite this, he warned that many talented Nigerian students continue to face financial pressures that threaten to push them out of school. Their dreams, he said, are limited not by ability but by opportunity. “We cannot allow financial hardship to silence the dreams of our young people — not when the future of our nation depends on their skills, resilience and leadership,” Dangote said.
Noting that this concern informed the Foundation’s new Education Support Initiative, Dangote stressed that the effort is intended as a starting point rather than a standalone solution. “A single organization cannot solve Nigeria’s education challenges alone,” he said. “The government has a role. The private sector has a role. Communities and families have their roles. When we work together, we can transform education — and with it, transform Nigeria’s future.”
Addressing young Nigerians directly, Dangote said: “your dreams matter. Your education matters. Your future matters. We believe in you. We are investing in you. And we are committed to ensuring that you do not walk this journey alone.”
The Foundation, he said, will use a merit-based and fully digital system for verification, disbursement and monitoring, working in partnership with NELFUND, JAMB, NIMC, NUC, NBTE, WAEC and NECO. Dangote said the focus will be on measurable outcomes including retention, completion rates and post-school impact. He noted that the vision behind the initiative is to give every deserving child the chance to learn — unfettered by cost, free to dream, and equipped to achieve.
To oversee implementation, a Programme Steering Committee has been constituted, chaired by His Highness Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, Emir of Lafia. Other members include former vice-chancellors, senior education administrators, technical advisors and representatives of the Dangote family.
Dangote also disclosed that the programme’s long-term sustainability is tied to his formal commitment to allocate 25 per cent of his wealth to the Aliko Dangote Foundation, adding that the progress on the initiative will be reviewed in 2030 as part of Dangote Group’s Vision 2030 strategy.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda in the education sector, alongside the Federal Ministry of Education, SUBEBs and state governments, for “deliberate and steady efforts” to support learners amid economic pressures.
Vice President Kashim Shettima who lauded Dangote for his vision in business and national development said the new intervention demonstrates the critical role of private-sector actors in national development. He noted that Nigeria’s demographic growth makes urgent investment in education indispensable, warning that “a population becomes a liability only when it is uneducated.”
“Alhaji Aliko Dangote, through his far-reaching philanthropy, has set in motion the single largest private-sector education support intervention in the history of this country,” Shettima said. “What he has done here today is a lesson to each of us. This is nation-building in its purest form.”
Shettima highlighted ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), strengthened basic education infrastructure through UBEC, expanded TETFUND interventions and accelerated technical and vocational programmes.
He said these reforms aim to improve Nigeria’s poor Human Capital Index ranking and prepare young people for a skills-driven global economy. Describing Dangote’s philanthropy as “structural and long term,” Shettima said the initiative aligns strongly with the government’s priority of expanding equitable access to education.
“No nation surpasses the aspirations of its most committed patriots,” he said.
“The legacy of Alhaji Aliko Dangote reminds us that greatness is not measured by wealth but by the number of lives one lifts from the shadows into the light.”
The Vice President added that the Aliko Dangote Foundation programme will widen opportunities for thousands of learners and bolster the FG’s efforts to build a competitive workforce. He called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and development partners to address persistent gaps in the education system.
In his presentation, Education Minister Tunji Alausa described the initiative as “pure human capital development,” saying it aligns with the Tinubu administration’s education sector renewal plan of transforming Nigeria from resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy and is significant because every local government area will benefit.
He said by the end of the first decade of the execution of the scholarship programme, it is estimated that over 170,000 girl child would have gone to school.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking on behalf of the 36 state governors, also commended the initiative and pledged the governors’ full support.
Chairman of the Programme Steering Committee, His Highness Justice Sidi Dauda Bage, Emir of Lafia, said the scheme is unprecedented and praised Dangote’s patriotism in reinvesting his wealth to uplift other Nigerians.
ALSO READ: Festive Season Hikes: FG Probes Airlines Over Skyrocketing Fares
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, said Dangote’s impact in driving private-sector transformation remains unmatched, describing the new initiative as both transformational and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.
He recalled how ADF had come to the aid of his community during a devastating communal feud that led to destruction of several properties.
In her virtual remark from the United States of America, United Nation deputy secretary General, Amina Mohammed said the scholarship scheme will provide an environment for children to learn and for families to prosper.
The scholarship programme represents the most extensive private-sector scholarship commitment in Nigeria’s history and reinforces ADF’s mission to expand opportunities, drive social impact, and enhance the wellbeing of individuals and communities across the country.
Photo caption, from left: Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf; Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima; Chairman Steering Committee, ADF Scholarship Programme; Justice Sidi Bage, JSC; Chairman, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); Chairman, BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hadiza Balarabe; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the launching of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) N100 Billion Education Scholarship Initiative nationwide in Lagos on Thursday, December 11, 2025
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has disclosed that two mobile phones allegedly stolen from members of his team during Friday’s attack in Ado-Ekiti have been traced to locations near the Ekiti State Governor’s Office and Fajuyi Park.
Sowore made the disclosure in a post on X on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while renewing his demand for the release of CCTV footage from Tawakalitu Restaurant, where he and members of his team were attacked on October 30.
According to him, one of the stolen devices was traced to a location directly opposite the office of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, while another was located opposite Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti.
RELATED NEWS: Ekiti Attack: Sowore Demands CCTV Release, Questions Gov’t Ties to Gang Leader
Describing the discoveries as disturbing, Sowore questioned why the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) had yet to release the CCTV footage allegedly seized from the restaurant.
“This morning, we tracked two of the devices violently robbed from members of our team during the brutal attack in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, October 30, 2026, and the locations are deeply disturbing,” he wrote.
“One phone was traced to a location directly opposite the office of the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, while our other devices were located opposite Fajuyi Park in Ado-Ekiti,” he added.
The activist subsequently renewed his demand for the release of the surveillance footage, insisting that the recordings from the restaurant should be made public.
“Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS have yet to release the CCTV footage seized from Tawakalitu Restaurant, where we were attacked.
“RELEASE THE CCTV FOOTAGE NOW!” he demanded.
The latest disclosure follows an attack on Sowore and members of his entourage at Tawakalitu Restaurant in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, shortly after the activist participated in a radio interview in the state.
Sowore had alleged that armed men attacked his team, assaulted some members and dispossessed them of their personal belongings, including mobile phones.
The incident generated controversy after the Ekiti State Police Command initially described it as an altercation involving Sowore and some individuals, while the activist maintained that his team was violently attacked.
The police subsequently announced the arrest of 11 suspects in connection with the incident.
According to the police, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested the suspects at their hideouts in the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti at about 10 p.m. on October 30.
Items reportedly recovered during the operation included 13 mobile phones, two walkie-talkies, seven ATM cards, eight international passports, vehicle keys and other belongings.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the roles of the suspects and determine their possible involvement in the incident.
Sowore’s latest disclosure has renewed calls for the release of the restaurant’s CCTV footage, which he believes could provide further evidence about the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has tested the physical endurance, tactical awareness and military preparedness of 816 newly recruited personnel during an intensive six-day bush camp exercise in Kaduna.
The exercise, codenamed Exercise MUN FARA, was conducted from October 12 to 17, 2026, at the NAF Base Kaduna for trainees of Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46/2025.
The training featured demanding military activities, including day and night navigation, patrols, ambushes, attack drills and tent pitching, designed to prepare the recruits for operations under challenging field conditions.
SEE ALSO: Atiku Mourns 25 Killed in NAF Aircraft Crash in Ondo
The exercise culminated in a gruelling 20-kilometre cross-country competition, with Alpha-Jet Squadron emerging overall winner after completing the race in two hours, 33 minutes and seven seconds.
Recruit Mohammed U of MI-35 Squadron finished first in the male category, while Recruit Salihu SO of ATR-42 Squadron emerged winner in the female category.
Commending the recruits for their resilience, discipline and team spirit, the MTC Commandant, Air Commodore AO Akins, said the exercise provided an opportunity to assess their practical application of essential military skills.
He noted that the training tested their knowledge and abilities in fieldcraft, weapon handling and map reading, alongside their capacity to work effectively as a team.
The Air Force said the exercise formed part of its progressive training programme aimed at developing disciplined, confident and mission-ready personnel.
The recruits are expected to proceed to their final bush camp training before completing their military training and commencing service in the Nigerian Air Force.
Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has demanded the release of CCTV footage showing the attack on him and members of his team in Ado-Ekiti, while questioning the alleged relationship between the Ekiti State Government and a suspected gang leader.
Sowore made the demands in a post on X on Sunday, November 1, 2026, while responding to the Ekiti State Government’s October 31 press release on the October 30 attack.
SEE ALSO: Atiku Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Sowore, ADC Governorship Candidate, Accuses APC of Intimidation
He also challenged Governor Biodun Oyebanji to explain an alleged warning issued by his Chief Security Officer, CSP Ayodele Akinlua, hours before the incident.
According to Sowore, Akinlua contacted a member of his team, Moyinoluwa Olowoyo, popularly known as Gigabytes, at approximately 7:30 a.m. on the day of the attack and warned that his safety could not be guaranteed if he proceeded with political activities in the state.
Sowore alleged that more than 100 armed thugs subsequently attacked him and members of his team in broad daylight, leaving several people injured and robbed.
Questioning the circumstances surrounding the warning, he asked:
“Why was the Governor’s Chief Security Officer warning that my safety could not be guaranteed hours before armed thugs descended on us? Who authorized that call? What did the Governor know, and when did he know it?”
The AAC presidential candidate accused the state government of failing to address the circumstances surrounding the attack, arguing that its response focused on questioning his motives rather than condemning the violence.
He also faulted the government’s description of the incident as an ordinary altercation, insisting that the attack involved armed political thugs.
Sowore further questioned the alleged relationship between the Ekiti State Government and Sola Adenijo, popularly known as Solar, whom he identified as the leader of the gang that attacked him and his team.
He alleged that Adenijo was on the state government’s payroll and challenged Governor Oyebanji to disclose whether the individual received payments, contracts, appointments, stipends or other financial benefits from the government, directly or indirectly.
“We challenge Governor Oyebanji and his government to publicly disclose whether Sola Adenijo receives payments, contracts, appointments, stipends, or any other financial benefits from the state government, directly or indirectly,” he stated.
Sowore maintained that a general denial of involvement by the government was insufficient without addressing the specific allegations.
He also demanded the immediate preservation, recovery and public release of CCTV recordings from the restaurant where the incident occurred and surrounding premises.
The activist urged the relevant authorities to secure the complete recordings, preserve the original files and release the footage without alteration, while protecting innocent bystanders.
“Let Nigerians see what happened. Let the footage establish whether this was the so-called ‘altercation’ being promoted by the Police and the State Government or a coordinated attack by armed political thugs,” he said.
Sowore further alleged that security operatives had attempted to remove CCTV recordings and demanded an explanation regarding who took possession of the footage, where it was being kept and why it had not been made public.
He also questioned the activities of security agencies before the attack, alleging that Department of State Services (DSS) operatives had disrupted his political meeting at a restaurant.
According to him, members of his team and security personnel attached to them were assaulted, with some security personnel allegedly disarmed during the incident.
Sowore also referenced a statement by MKD Araoye, lead organiser of the Ikogosi Marathon, announcing a ban on his participation in the event. He alleged that the development further raised questions about possible official involvement in the incident.
The AAC presidential candidate called for an independent and transparent investigation into the roles of the attackers, their alleged sponsors, the governor’s security personnel, the DSS and any police or DSS officers implicated in the incident.
He maintained that the investigation should examine eyewitness accounts, communication records, financial records and CCTV footage.
“The Ekiti State Government cannot investigate itself through press releases, insult the victims into silence, or manufacture an alternative account of an attack that left people injured,” he said.
Sowore insisted that the incident would not deter him from exercising his constitutional rights or participating in political activities.
He also challenged Governor Oyebanji to release the CCTV footage, explain the alleged warning from his Chief Security Officer and disclose the government’s relationship, if any, with Adenijo.
Oyo Police Arrest Suspected Serial Burglar, Recover Stolen Items Worth ₦16.2m
Ekiti Attack: Sowore Tracks Stolen Phones Near Governor’s Office, Demands CCTV Footage
NAF Tests 816 Recruits’ Combat Readiness in Kaduna Bush Camp Exercise
‘Tinubu Built Northern Alliances Long Before Presidency’ – Sunday Dare
Ekiti Attack: Sowore Demands CCTV Release, Questions Gov’t Ties to Gang Leader
Nigeria Gets More 1,000 5G Sites, Courtesy Airtel
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
