Dangote scholarship scheme to expand access to education financing – NELFUND

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has said the N100bn annual scholarship programme introduced by the Aliko Dangote Foundation will significantly improve access to education financing in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND described the initiative as a strong example of private-sector collaboration in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and efforts to expand access to quality education.

The scholarship scheme was unveiled in Lagos in the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President.

According to the statement, the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, commended the President for encouraging partnerships that strengthen the education sector. He said the Dangote Foundation’s annual N100bn commitment aligns with the administration’s goal of removing financial barriers for students and developing future Nigerian talent.

Sawyerr noted that the 10-year programme, which targets public secondary schools, public tertiary institutions and includes a strong focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), would complement national efforts to broaden access to education funding.

He also expressed NELFUND’s readiness to work with the Dangote Foundation and relevant government agencies to ensure transparency, efficiency and wide-reaching impact. He added that the fund remains committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent Nigerians from accessing education.

NELFUND further stressed the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector and development partners in building a more inclusive and resilient education system.

The N100bn annual scholarship scheme, unveiled on December 11, 2025, is expected to begin in 2026. It will start with 45,000 beneficiaries and expand to about 155,000 scholars annually by its fourth year, with a projected reach of approximately 1.3 million students across the country over its lifespan.

A key component of the programme is the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars initiative, which will support 30,000 undergraduate students each year in public universities and polytechnics.