Dangote Invests N241m in Education, Empowers 3,700 Students in Lagos Communities

Dangote Invests N241m in Education, Empowers 3,700 Students in Lagos Communities

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited have strengthened their commitment to community development with the donation of educational materials worth N241 million to 3,704 students in host communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

The intervention, unveiled during the sixth edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme, targeted both primary and secondary school students. A total of 1,348 pupils across five primary schools received school bags, uniforms, sandals, and sanitary items, while 2,356 students from four secondary schools also benefited from similar support.

The initiative aims to ease the burden on families, improve school attendance, and create a more conducive learning environment for students in the area.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Group, Edwin Devakumar, described education as a powerful driver of societal progress. He noted that the scholarship programme, launched in 2019, has continued to expand in scope and impact, despite a temporary pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He disclosed that 442 students are benefiting from the 2025 scholarship cycle. According to him, the program has grown steadily over the years, beginning with 56 beneficiaries in 2019 and increasing to hundreds of students annually across the secondary and tertiary levels.

Devakumar explained that beyond scholarships, the company is investing in skills development to prepare young people for employment. He revealed that 22 youths from host communities recently completed internationally recognised City & Guilds of London training in electrical and mechanical engineering, with 19 of them already absorbed in the company’s workforce.

He emphasised that Dangote’s developmental approach is rooted in shared prosperity.

We firmly believe that the success of our business must coexist with the development of our communities. Through education, skills training, and job creation, we are helping to build a future where young people can achieve their full potential,” he said.

The programme also received support from the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which contributed to the distribution of school kits.

Reacting to the initiative, the Executive Chairman of Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Engr. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali, praised the company for its timely and helpful support. He acknowledged the benefits to 15 local communities and requested similar assistance for nearby areas.

He noted that the rapid development of Lekki as an economic hub makes such interventions even more critical for inclusive growth.

Similarly, the Onilekki of Lekki Land, HRM Oba Kazeem Olumuyiwa Ogunbekun, praised Dangote Group for its consistency in supporting local communities. He said the company’s efforts over the years have improved livelihoods and strengthened relationships with residents.

Beneficiaries of the program also shared stories about impact. One of the vocational training graduates, Yusiot Taiwo, described the opportunity as life-changing, noting that it paved the way for his employment with Dangote Fertiliser. Another beneficiary, Saheed Olukayode, said the support had reignited his academic ambitions and encouraged him to pursue higher education.

Dangote Group reiterated its resolve to sustain investments in education, skills acquisition, and community development, ensuring that its operations continue to create meaningful opportunities for people in its host communities.