Nigerian Foundation Gives 3,700 Students School Supplies

Aminat Salabu never expected her sewing skills would help keep 1,323 children in school, but that's exactly what happened when the Aliko Dangote Foundation hired local tailors to create uniforms for students who couldn't afford them.

The foundation, working with Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, just completed a five-day distribution of school uniforms, bags, sandals, and writing materials to primary students in Ibeju-Lekki communities. The first phase reached 1,323 pupils across five primary schools, including children with special needs.

Teachers noticed the change immediately. Adenigba Aderemi, head teacher at Local Government Primary School in Ilege, watched students return who had dropped out because they felt embarrassed about torn uniforms. Some children had taken menial jobs just to buy pencils and paper.

The program is expanding fast. Secondary schools join next, bringing the total to 3,704 students receiving supplies. Another 443 students will receive full scholarships, including 33 attending universities and 410 in secondary schools.

Foundation CEO Zouera Youssoufou explained the strategy goes beyond handing out supplies. "This intervention is about giving every pupil in our host communities a fair opportunity to learn and succeed by reducing the burden on parents," she said. The foundation views each backpack and uniform as an investment in Nigeria's future leaders.

The initiative includes job training too. Twenty-two young community members just completed electrical engineering certification through the City & Guilds program in London, earning internationally recognized qualifications that open doors to better careers.

The Ripple Effect

The program creates waves of opportunity throughout host communities. Local tailors like Salabu earn income producing uniforms. Parents save money they can spend on food and healthcare. Students stay in school instead of working. Teachers see classrooms fill up again with engaged learners.

This Lagos program previews something much bigger. In December, the foundation announced a N1 trillion scholarship initiative launching in 2026. That's N100 billion every year for 10 years, supporting 1.3 million Nigerian students with focus on science, technology, engineering, and math.

The decade-long plan starts with 45,000 scholars and grows to 155,000 annually by year four, reaching all 774 local government areas nationwide. Special attention goes to 10,000 secondary school girls in areas where many children never attend class.

Aderemi summed up what the supplies mean for her students: "This is a big burden that has been taken off the shoulders of many parents."

One uniform at a time, education is becoming possible for thousands of Nigerian children who were falling through the cracks.