The Aliko Dangote Foundation, in collaboration with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, has provided educational materials to pupils in host communities in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State, as part of its education support programme.
During the first phase of the five day distribution exercise, 1,323 primary school pupils, including children with special needs, received school uniforms, bags, sandals and writing materials.
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 intervention will extend to secondary schools, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 3,704 students. In addition, 443 students will receive scholarships, including 33 in tertiary institutions and 410 secondary school students. Vocational training programmes are also being provided for youths within the host communities.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, said the initiative reflects the vision of the Foundation’s founder, Aliko Dangote, to invest in education and nurture future leaders.
Youssoufou stated that education remains a powerful tool for transforming lives and communities, noting that the intervention aims to reduce the burden on parents while creating equal learning opportunities for children in the host communities.
She added that the Foundation’s commitment to education is long term and focused on sustainable impact.
Speaking on the broader scope of the initiative, Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, Mojisola Ogunleye, said education remains a core 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, while the second phase will include scholarship awards and the distribution of additional textbooks and learning materials.
Ogunleye further revealed that 22 youths with Senior School Certificate qualifications have been upskilled through the City and Guilds Certification Programme in Electrical Engineering Levels 1, 2 and 3, with certificates issued by the London based institution.
The Head Teacher of Local Government Primary School, Ilege, Mrs Adenigba Margaret Aderemi, commended the Foundation, stating that many pupils previously struggled with inadequate materials and worn out uniforms.
She noted that the intervention is expected to boost enrolment and classroom participation, as some pupils had dropped out due to financial challenges.
The programme also created economic opportunities for residents. A local tailor, Ms Aminat Aderonke Salabu, who was engaged to produce uniforms, said the contract significantly improved her income and enabled her to advance her personal building project.
The initiative underscores the Foundation’s continued investment in education, youth empowerment and community development within the refinery and fertiliser host communities.
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