The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced an innovative initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian students through financial literacy and investment opportunities. The newly launched Student Share Grant Initiative allows eligible students to receive 10 free shares in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, contingent upon their participation in the ongoing initial public offering (IPO) of the refinery.

To qualify, students aged 18 and above, enrolled in either public or private tertiary institutions across Nigeria, must subscribe to a minimum of 10 shares through a dedicated portal. The IPO, which opened on September 14, 2026, is priced at N525 per share, requiring a minimum investment of N5,250 from the students. Once they complete the verification process and subscribe, the foundation will fund an additional 10 shares at no cost to the students.

The initiative is part of the foundation's broader mission to promote education, economic inclusion, and practical financial knowledge among young Nigerians. Aliko Dangote emphasized the importance of equipping young people not just with access to education, but also with pathways to wealth creation. He stated, "Through this initiative, we want students to understand the value of saving, responsible investing, and long-term ownership. Our goal is to help them develop an investment mindset early in life."

Zouera Youssoufou, the chief executive of ADF, highlighted that the program aims to bridge the gap between theoretical financial knowledge and practical application. She noted, "Financial literacy becomes more impactful when people can apply what they learn." By participating in the initiative, students will experience the full investment cycle, from verification and subscription to allotment and ownership, thereby gaining a comprehensive understanding of how capital markets function.

The foundation believes that the knowledge gained through this initiative could lead to better financial decisions and increased participation in Nigeria's capital market over time. This program is seen as a crucial step in fostering a culture of investment among the youth, encouraging them to take charge of their financial futures.

The Dangote Refinery IPO will remain open until October 13, 2026, providing students with a limited window to participate in this unique opportunity. As the foundation continues to push for greater financial literacy and inclusion, this initiative stands out as a significant effort to engage young Nigerians in the world of investing and asset ownership.