IPO: University Students Hail Dangote Foundation's Free Share Initiative

University students across Nigeria have welcomed the Aliko Dangote Foundation's Student Share Grant Initiative, describing it as a unique opportunity to participate in wealth creation and gain practical investment experience through the ongoing Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE (DPRP).

As part of efforts to drive awareness and deepen financial literacy among young Nigerians, the Foundation over the weekend held an online engagement with campus journalists from tertiary institutions nationwide. The session focused on the Dangote Refinery IPO, the importance of financial education, responsible investing, and the opportunities available through Nigeria's capital market.

The Student Share Grant Initiative enables eligible students aged 18 years and above in public and private tertiary institutions to receive free DPRP shares after purchasing a minimum of 10 shares through the dedicated platform, ipo.alikodangotefoundation.org. For every qualifying subscription, the Foundation provides an additional 10 shares at no extra cost.

The programme is aimed at introducing young Nigerians to investing early in life while promoting financial literacy, ownership culture, and long-term wealth creation.

The announcement has generated widespread interest across campuses, with many students describing it as a rare opportunity to become shareholders in one of Africa's most transformative industrial projects.

Speaking on the initiative, Amaechi Rosemary, a student of the University of Ibadan, said the programme has made investing more accessible to students.

"Many students hear about shares and investments but never imagine they can become shareholders while still in school. This initiative removes that barrier and gives us an opportunity to learn about wealth creation through practical participation."

Emmanuel Ndah, also of the University of Ibadan, described the initiative as both educational and empowering.

"Owning shares in a world-class refinery is exciting. Beyond the additional shares, the programme teaches us important lessons about investing and financial responsibility. It is encouraging to see young people being included in Nigeria's economic growth story."

Similarly, Moshood Muheeb of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, said the initiative demonstrates confidence in the capacity of Nigerian youths to build wealth responsibly.

"This programme sends a strong message that students are not too young to invest. The support provided by the Foundation makes the opportunity even more attractive and encourages young people to start planning for their financial future."

Esther Olatunji of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, noted that the initiative would encourage students to take investing and financial planning more seriously.

"This is more than a share offer. It is an opportunity to learn about ownership, financial discipline and long-term wealth creation. Programmes like this can inspire students to develop healthy investment habits that will benefit them throughout their lives."

Students also observed that the initiative has already sparked meaningful conversations about investing, saving, and asset ownership across campuses, helping to broaden awareness of financial planning among young Nigerians.

Eligible students enrolled in recognised tertiary institutions can visit ipo.alikodangotefoundation.org to complete the verification process. Upon successful verification, participants can subscribe for a minimum of 10 DPRP shares and qualify to receive an additional 10 shares funded by the Aliko Dangote Foundation.

According to the Foundation, the initiative is a stand-alone programme designed to encourage investment participation among Nigerian youths while creating a new generation of financially informed investors with a stake in the country's economic future.

Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the initiative aligns with the Foundation's commitment to empowering young people beyond traditional educational support.

"Supporting young people goes beyond access to education. It also involves providing opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in economic growth and wealth creation. Through this initiative, we want students to understand the value of saving, investing wisely and building wealth through ownership."

Dangote noted that exposing young people to investment opportunities early can positively shape their financial decisions and encourage greater involvement in the formal economy.

"When young people understand ownership and investing from an early stage, they are better equipped to make sound financial decisions, build wealth responsibly and contribute to national development."

Chief Executive Officer of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, said the programme combines financial education with practical experience.

"Financial literacy becomes more meaningful when individuals can apply what they learn. This initiative enables students to experience the investment process firsthand, from verification and subscription to share ownership, while reinforcing the importance of responsible participation in the capital market."

She added that the Foundation's objective extends beyond the current IPO.

"We hope to inspire a lifelong interest in investing, financial literacy and asset ownership among young Nigerians. The experience and knowledge gained through this programme can serve as a foundation for sound financial decision-making throughout their lives."

The Student Share Grant Initiative forms part of the Foundation's broader commitment to promoting education, economic inclusion and youth empowerment, while encouraging students to embrace a culture of saving, investing, entrepreneurship and long-term wealth creation.

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