The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced a scholarship programme for undergraduate students of Nigerian Federal and State Universities, with 30,000 beneficiaries targeted in the first phase.
The announcement was made when a three-member delegation of the Foundation, led by its Programme Director, Aisha Halima Ilyasu, visited the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, FCVSN, and members of his Management on Friday, 14 August 2026, to intimate the Commission on the initiative.
Briefing the Executive Secretary, Hajia Ilyasu expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact with the Commission, explaining that the scholarship scheme was initiated by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, as part of his Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at giving back to society.
She disclosed that the scheme would cover all the 774 Local Government Areas of the Federation and is scheduled to commence in October 2026, alongside the commencement of the 2026/2027 academic session.
According to her, the scholarship would initially target 30,000 eligible undergraduate students studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) and related disciplines. She added that five per cent of the scholarship quota would be reserved for students living with disabilities.
Hajia Ilyasu further explained that applicants must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5, equivalent to a Second Class Lower Division, to qualify for consideration. Eligible applicants would also be required to undergo a selection process before the award of the scholarship.
Responding, the Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to the Aliko Dangote Foundation for the initiative, describing the scholarship scheme as a laudable intervention that would contribute significantly to supporting students and expanding access to quality university education.
Professor Ribadu pledged the support of the Commission for the initiative and assured the delegation that the Commission would engage the Committee of Vice-Chancellors (CVC) to facilitate awareness of the scholarship opportunity and encourage eligible students to apply.
He noted that the scholarship scheme differed from the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) in that the Dangote Foundation’s support is a non-refundable grant, whereas NELFund provides loans that are repayable by beneficiaries in accordance with the applicable terms.
The Executive Secretary described Aliko Dangote as a trailblazer and used the occasion to encourage other well-meaning Nigerians and organisations to emulate the Foundation’s intervention in supporting the development of education in Nigeria.
Other members of the ADF delegation were the Health and Nutrition Programme Officer, Maryam Buhari Shehu, and the Operations, Delivery and Partnership Manager, Mercy Oguche. Also present at the meeting were the NUC Directors of Research, Innovation and Information Technology, Mal. Lawal Mohammed Faruk; Academic Planning, Mr. Mohammed Girei; Accreditation, Engr. Abraham Chindusu; and Human Resource, Mrs. Allisabatu Balogun. Others were the Acting Director, Executive Secretary’s Office, Mr. Adewale Bakare; Director, Finance and Accounts, Dr. Zakariya S. Kwanta; Deputy Director, Information, representing the Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Kelvin Palong; and Mrs. Joy Obaje, representing the Director of Students.