In a renewed push to strengthen access to education in its host communities, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited have donated school materials worth N241 million to 3,704 students in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
The intervention, which marks a continuation of the company’s education support programme, was unveiled during the 6th edition of the Dangote Scholarship Award Programme, drawing beneficiaries from both primary and secondary schools across 15 host communities.
Expanding access to learning
Under the initiative, 1,348 primary school pupils in five schools received school bags, uniforms, sandals and sanitary materials, while 2,356 secondary school students across four schools also benefited from the distribution.
The exercise builds on earlier interventions in the communities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to easing the burden on parents and improving the learning environment for pupils.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President, Oil and Gas, Edwin Devakumar, described education as a critical driver of societal transformation, noting that the scholarship programme has continued to grow in both scope and impact since its launch in 2019.
Despite a pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the initiative has consistently supported hundreds of students annually.
Scholarship scheme grows steadily
Providing a breakdown of the programme, Mr Devakumar disclosed that 442 students are benefiting from the 2025 scholarship cycle.
He noted that the scheme began in 2019 with 56 secondary school beneficiaries and resumed in 2021 with 138 students, including 117 secondary and 19 tertiary students.
According to him, 460 students benefited in 2022, while the figure rose to 469 in 2023 and 473 in 2024. The 2025 cycle, he added, includes 410 secondary school students and 32 tertiary students.
“At the Dangote Group, our philosophy is simple: the prosperity of our communities and the success of our businesses must go hand in hand,” he said.
He added that the company’s social investments align with global development priorities, including quality education, poverty reduction and decent work opportunities.
Beyond scholarships: skills and jobs
Beyond educational materials and scholarships, the company said it is also investing in skills development and employment pathways for youths in the host communities.
Mr Devakumar disclosed that 22 youths recently completed certification programmes with the City & Guilds of London Institute in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, with 19 already employed within the organisation.
“Most importantly, these programmes reflect our belief that no young person should be limited by circumstances when they possess the talent and determination to succeed,” he added.
The programme, he said, also received support from the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which complemented the intervention with the distribution of additional school kits.
Community leaders seek expansion
Community leaders commended the initiative, describing it as both impactful and timely.
The Executive Chairman of Lekki LCDA, Rasaki Bamidele Kasali, praised the company’s sustained investments in the 15 host communities but appealed for the extension of similar interventions to neighbouring areas.
“Other communities have been craving this level of development being enjoyed by the host communities. Dangote has been trying and doing its best, and we appreciate all their efforts,” he said.
Similarly, the Onilekki of Lekki Land, Oba Kazeem Olumuyiwa Ogunbekun, commended the company’s consistency, noting that its interventions have strengthened community relations and improved livelihoods.
Beneficiaries recount impact
Beneficiaries of the programme described the intervention as life-changing.
One of the City & Guilds graduates, Yusiot Taiwo, said the initiative provided him with a pathway to employment with Dangote Fertiliser.
Another beneficiary, Saheed Olukayode, said the support had renewed his aspirations and motivated him to further his education.
The Dangote Group reiterated its commitment to aligning its business growth with the prosperity of its host communities, with sustained investments in education, skills development and inclusive opportunities.
