The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has welcomed the N100 billion annual scholarship programme launched by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, describing it as a major step toward improving access to education financing across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, NELFUND said the initiative would significantly ease the financial burden faced by millions of Nigerian students, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds. The scholarship scheme was unveiled in Lagos in the presence of Vice President Kashim Shettima, who attended on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
According to NELFUND, the programme reflects a strong example of private-sector collaboration that aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially his focus on expanding access to quality education and promoting inclusive national development.
Speaking in the statement, NELFUND’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, commended the President for encouraging partnerships that strengthen the education sector. He noted that the Dangote Foundation’s commitment to investing N100 billion annually in scholarships directly supports the government’s efforts to eliminate financial barriers to learning and prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities.
Sawyerr explained that the 10-year initiative, which will cover students in public secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), would significantly boost ongoing national efforts to improve education financing. He added that such long-term private investment is critical to building a skilled and competitive workforce.
He further expressed NELFUND’s willingness to collaborate closely with the Dangote Foundation and relevant government agencies to ensure that the programme is implemented efficiently and transparently. According to him, effective partnerships are necessary to guarantee that the initiative achieves wide coverage and delivers meaningful impact.
“NELFUND remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that no Nigerian is excluded from educational opportunities due to financial hardship,” Sawyerr stated.
The fund also reiterated that cooperation among government institutions, private organisations and development partners is vital for creating a resilient and inclusive education system, in line with President Tinubu’s call for shared responsibility in national progress.
The scholarship scheme was officially announced on Thursday, December 11, 2025, by Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group. Scheduled to begin in 2026, the programme will initially support 45,000 students and is projected to grow to 155,000 beneficiaries annually by its fourth year. Over its lifespan, it is expected to reach approximately 1.3 million students across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
A key feature of the initiative is the Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars programme, which will provide tuition support for 30,000 undergraduate students each year in public universities and polytechnics, with the aim of expanding access to higher education and driving innovation nationwide.
