The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), in collaboration with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, has distributed school uniforms, bags, sandals and writing materials to primary school pupils in its host communities in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.
The intervention, carried out under the Foundation’s education support programme, provided relief to parents and support to 1,323 primary school pupils — including children with special needs — during a five-day distribution exercise in the first phase.
Beneficiary schools include Local Government Primary School, Ilege; Okunraye Community Primary School; Idotun Community Primary School; Olomowewe Community Primary School; and Lekki Community Primary School.
The programme will extend to secondary schools, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 3,704 students. In addition, 443 students — including 33 in tertiary institutions — have been selected for scholarships, while vocational training programmes are being provided for youths in the host communities.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, said the initiative reflects the vision of its founder, Aliko Dangote, to invest in education and nurture future leaders.
“We believe education remains the most powerful tool for transforming lives and communities. This intervention is not just about uniforms, bags or writing materials. It is about giving every pupil in our host communities a fair opportunity to learn and succeed by reducing the burden on parents. Our commitment is long term. By investing in these children today, we are investing in future leaders who will shape Nigeria’s tomorrow,” she said.
Speaking on the broader scope of the intervention, the Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, Mojisola Ogunleye, described education as a key pillar of the company’s community development strategy.
She disclosed that 3,704 students across four secondary schools and five primary schools are benefiting from the first phase of the programme, adding that the second phase will include scholarships as well as the distribution of textbooks and additional learning materials.
Ogunleye further revealed that 443 students have been selected for scholarships, comprising 33 university students and 410 secondary school students.
“In addition, 22 community youths with SSCE have been upskilled and trained in the City & Guilds Certification Programme in Electrical Engineering, Levels 1, 2 and 3 and will be officially presented their certificates issued by the institution from London,” she said.
The Head Teacher of Local Government Primary School, Ilege, Mrs Adenigba Margaret Aderemi, commended the Foundation for the intervention, noting that many pupils previously struggled with inadequate learning materials and worn-out uniforms.
She said the gesture would improve enrolment and classroom participation, explaining that some children had dropped out due to the embarrassment of wearing torn uniforms, while others engaged in menial jobs to afford basic school supplies.
“This is a big burden that has been taken off the shoulders of many parents. There will be improved enrolment. Many pupils will return to school because of this gesture,” she added.
Aderemi described the intervention as a major boost to education in the community and urged other organisations to emulate the initiative.
The programme has also created economic opportunities for residents. One of the local tailors engaged to produce the uniforms, Ms Aminat Aderonke Salabu, praised the Foundation for awarding the contracts within the host communities.
“I have started developing a self-contained apartment and a shop on a quarter of plot that I have from the profit I made from the first phase. I am grateful to the Foundation for empowering and supporting us to grow,” Salabu said.
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