Educating
Tomorrow's Africa
Education is the most powerful force multiplier for African development. The Aliko Dangote Foundation has committed $688 million over 10 years to transform access to quality education — from primary schools to postgraduate scholarships, with a special focus on STEM and girls.
$688 Million
for Education
In 2014, Aliko Dangote announced a $688 million, 10-year commitment to education in Nigeria and across Africa — the largest single private education commitment in African history at that time. The pledge was part of a broader $1.25 billion donation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
The education programme operates across three levels: basic education access and quality improvement; secondary and vocational skills development; and tertiary education through scholarship programmes that are changing the composition of Africa's future professional class.
At its core is the belief that Africa's transformation requires Africans — scientists, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs and leaders trained to world-class standards and committed to building the continent from within.
"When you educate a child, you change not just one life but an entire generation."
Dangote Scholarship Programme
The Dangote Scholarship Programme is the largest privately-funded scholarship scheme in Nigerian history. Operating in partnership with the National Student Loan Fund (NELFUND), the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), it covers tuition, accommodation, books and living expenses for high-performing students at Nigerian universities.
Priority is given to students from low-income backgrounds studying STEM disciplines — engineering, computer science, medicine, agronomy and environmental science — aligned with Africa's most critical skills gaps.
A dedicated Dangote Foundation Postgraduate Fund supports 500+ Master's and PhD students annually at African and international universities, with an internship pathway into Dangote Group and partner organisations.
Investing in Girls
Girls' Scholarship Initiative
$80M dedicated to girls' education access — addressing the 30% gender gap in Nigerian secondary school completion and the 45% gap in university enrolment. Scholarships, safe school transportation, sanitation facilities and school feeding to reduce dropout rates among girls.
Women in STEM Programme
Dedicated STEM coaching, mentorship and scholarship reserve for girls pursuing engineering, science and technology. Partners with Dangote Group businesses to provide internships, showing girls that STEM careers are viable, desirable and within reach in Nigeria.
Safe School Programme
In partnership with UNICEF and Federal Government, rehabilitating schools in northeast Nigeria affected by Boko Haram conflict. Safe school infrastructure, psychosocial support and accelerated learning for girls displaced by conflict.
Graduate to Leader Pathway
Female scholarship recipients are automatically eligible for the Dangote Women Leadership Programme — mentoring, professional development and a fast-track path into Dangote Group and partner organisation careers.
STEM & Digital Literacy
STEM Laboratories
Construction of fully-equipped science and computer laboratories at 350+ secondary schools adjacent to Group operations. Each lab serves 1,000+ students annually.
Digital Classrooms
Solar-powered digital classrooms in rural schools with internet connectivity, tablets and digital curriculum content aligned to WAEC and NECO syllabi.
Coding Academies
10 Dangote Coding Academies in major Nigerian cities training 5,000+ young Nigerians annually in software development, data science and AI fundamentals.
Teacher Training
Intensive STEM teacher capacity development programme: 10,000 teachers trained per year in modern pedagogical approaches for science, mathematics and technology.
University Innovation
Dangote Innovation Grants at 15 Nigerian universities funding student-led technology projects, business incubators and engineering design competitions.
Industry Linkage
Structured pathway from Dangote Foundation scholarships into Dangote Group internships and graduate roles — ensuring talent remains in Africa.
Current Education Initiatives
10-year education investment program committed to funding 1.33 million students across Nigeria. Focused on STEM education, girls' education, and vocational training. Partners include NELFUND, NECO, WAEC.