For millions of Nigerian students, owning shares in a major company may soon become a reality as the Aliko Dangote Foundation plans to place Dangote Refinery IPO shares in their hands.
The initiative, which targets about four million eligible tertiary institution students, is designed to introduce young Nigerians to the world of investment, savings and wealth creation.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, has commended the move, describing it as a bold step towards improving financial literacy among Nigerian youths.
Under the programme, students aged 18 years and above are expected to receive 10 IPO shares each without having to buy the shares themselves.
Alausa said the initiative would give students practical knowledge of capital markets, responsible investing and long-term financial planning.
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the minister said the programme connects education with enterprise and economic empowerment.
He noted that the initiative supports the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on human capital development.
The minister said the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to partner with private organisations to create opportunities that prepare students for a changing economy.
Alausa, however, clarified that the ministry’s commendation was based on the educational value of the programme and should not be seen as an endorsement of any investment decision.
He urged more corporate organisations to support youth-focused initiatives that can help build a financially informed generation of entrepreneurs across Nigeria.