IPO: University students hail Dangote Foundation’s free share initiative

University students across Nigeria have warmly welcomed the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s Student Share Grant Initiative, describing it as a rare 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).

To deepen financial literacy among youths, the Foundation held an online engagement session over the weekend with campus journalists from tertiary institutions nationwide. The session focused on the refinery’s IPO, responsible investing, and capital market opportunities.

Under the initiative, eligible students aged 18 and above in public and private tertiary institutions who buy a minimum of 10 DPRP shares via ipo.alikodangotefoundation.org will receive an additional 10 shares funded by the Foundation at no extra cost.

Extolling the initiative, Amaechi Rosemary, a student at the University of Ibadan, noted: “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.”

Another student from the same institution, Emmanuel Ndah, described the programme as 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,” he said.

Similarly, Moshood Muheeb from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, stated: “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, added: “This is more than a share offer. It is an opportunity to learn about ownership, financial discipline, and long-term wealth creation.”

Reiterating the core objective, Chairman of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, highlighted that the initiative aligns with empowering Nigerian youth. “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,” Dangote stated. “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.”

Echoing his sentiments, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, noted that the scheme marries education with practical experience.

“Financial literacy becomes more meaningful when individuals can apply what they learn,” she remarked, adding that the Foundation hopes to inspire a lifelong interest in asset ownership among young Nigerians.