Dangote Granite Mines Limited has awarded multi-million naira scholarships to secondary and tertiary students from Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, as part of its social investment program focused on educational development in host communities. The initiative reflects the company’s commitment to empowering local communities and enhancing overall development through education.
Mr. Joseph Alabi, the Company’s General Manager of Community Relations, described the scholarship program as a vital aspect of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability (CSR) activities. He emphasized that the annual scholarship event is designed to improve educational opportunities and align with broader educational goals in Nigeria.
During the recent scholarship presentation, which traditional rulers and government officials attended, Mr. Alabi highlighted Dangote’s consistent support for the Nigerian education sector by establishing scholarship programs in all its operational communities. He stated, “By supporting these students, we are investing in their future and the future of Nigeria. That is why we are here today to award scholarships to 40 tertiary students and 20 secondary school students.”
He acknowledged the support of host communities, which fosters a conducive operating environment for the company’s initiatives. “This initiative has helped students, especially those whose parents struggle to afford education, pursue their academic ambitions with greater ease. Beneficiaries will enjoy the scholarships until they graduate,” Alabi added.
Oba (Dr.) Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf, the Sopenlukale of Oke Sopen, praised Dangote Group Chairman Alhaji Aliko Dangote for the various initiatives benefiting the community and encouraged other industrialists to emulate this approach for national growth. He urged parents to utilize the funds wisely to encourage ongoing support from the company.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the scholarships, which have significantly alleviated their educational expenses. Oladuni Ibrahim, a student at The Polytechnic Ibadan, remarked, “The scholarship has benefited us immensely by supporting less privileged students who aspire to further their education and achieve their dreams despite financial obstacles.”
Through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the Dangote Group is actively contributing to the educational landscape in Nigeria and Africa, believing that education is foundational for a successful society. The foundation’s initiatives include a N1 billion investment in Nigerian universities, a N500 million contribution for developing a Business School at Bayero University Kano, and an N100 million investment in the proposed Otuoke University in Bayelsa State. Additionally, the foundation donated fully equipped facilities worth N1.2 billion to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, accommodating 2,160 students.
