Students Hail Dangote Foundation’s Free Share Offer

Nigerian university students have welcomed the Dangote Foundation’s Student Share Grant Initiative, which allows them to own shares in the ongoing Dangote Refinery IPO.

The announcement has generated widespread interest across campuses, with many students describing it as a rare opportunity to become shareholders in one of Africa’s largest industrial projects.

Speaking on the initiative, Amaechi Rosemary, a student of the University of Ibadan, said the programme has made investing more accessible to students.

“Many students hear about shares and investments but never imagine they can become shareholders while still in school. This initiative removes that barrier and gives us an opportunity to learn about wealth creation through practical participation,” she said.

Emmanuel Ndah, also of the University of Ibadan, described the initiative as both educational and empowering.

“Owning shares in a world-class refinery is exciting. Beyond the additional shares, the programme teaches us important lessons about investing and financial responsibility,” he said.

Similarly, Moshood Muheeb of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, said the initiative demonstrates confidence in the capacity of Nigerian youths to build wealth responsibly.

“This programme sends a strong message that students are not too young to invest. The support provided by the Foundation makes the opportunity even more attractive,” he said.

Esther Olatunji of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, noted that the initiative would encourage students to take investing and financial planning more seriously.

“This is more than a share offer. It is an opportunity to learn about ownership, financial discipline and long-term wealth creation,” she said.

Under the programme, eligible students aged 18 years and above in public and private tertiary institutions can receive free DPRP shares after purchasing a minimum of 10 shares. For every qualifying subscription, the Foundation provides an additional 10 shares at no extra cost.

The initiative forms part of efforts to drive awareness and deepen financial literacy among young Nigerians.

Over the weekend, the Foundation held an online engagement with campus journalists from tertiary institutions nationwide on the IPO, financial education and responsible investing.

Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the initiative aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to empowering young people beyond traditional educational support.

“Supporting young people goes beyond access to education. It also involves providing opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in economic growth and wealth creation,” he said.

Chief executive officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, said the programme combines financial education with practical experience.

“Financial literacy becomes more meaningful when individuals can apply what they learn. This initiative enables students to experience the investment process firsthand,” she said.

According to the Foundation, the initiative is a stand-alone programme designed to encourage investment participation among Nigerian youths while creating a new generation of financially informed investors.