Dangote Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 Application Guidelines

Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has launched a massive ₦1 trillion scholarship programme that will support over 1.3 million Nigerian students over the next 10 years.

The scholarship was officially launched on December 11, 2025 by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Lagos, and the programme is set to commence in 2026, making the 2026/2027 academic session the first cohort of beneficiaries.

If you're a student, this scholarship could change your life. Here's everything you need to know.

Overview of Dangote Foundation Scholarship

Categories of Dangote Scholarship 2026

The scholarship is structured into three distinct programmes, each targeting different educational levels and needs:

1. Aliko Dangote STEM Scholars Programme

Undergraduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

If you're studying or planning to study courses like Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or any technology related field in a Nigerian public university or polytechnic, you could receive up to ₦600,000 yearly to cover your tuition fees.

2. Aliko Dangote Technical Scholars Programme

Students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

If you're training in technical and vocational skills (welding, electrical installation, plumbing, carpentry, auto mechanics, etc.), you'll receive the tools and materials you need to complete your training successfully.

3. MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars Programme

Female students in public secondary schools

If you're a girl child in a public secondary school, especially in states with high numbers of out of school children, you could receive free uniforms, books, and school supplies to ensure nothing stops your education.

Who Can Apply?

While the Aliko Dangote Foundation hasn't released detailed application requirements yet, here's what we know from the announcement:

General Eligibility Criteria

For STEM Scholars (University/Polytechnic):

1. Must be enrolled in or admitted into a public university or polytechnic

2. Must be studying STEM courses (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

3. Nigerian citizen

4. Demonstrate financial need

5. Academic merit will be considered

For Technical Scholars (TVET):

1. Enrolled in recognized TVET institutions

2. Pursuing technical/vocational skills training

3. Nigerian citizen

4. Financial hardship

For Secondary School Girls:

1. Female student in public secondary school

2. From financially disadvantaged background

3. Priority for girls in states with high out-of-school rates

4. Good academic standing

Persons with Disabilities

25% of all scholarship slots across the three categories are reserved for persons living with disabilities. This is approximately:

• 7,500 slots for STEM scholars

• 1,250 slots for Technical scholars

• 2,500 slots for Secondary school girls

Selection Process

According to Aliko Dangote during the launch, all beneficiaries will be selected through a transparent, merit based process.

The Foundation has announced partnerships with:

• NELFUND (Nigerian Education Loan Fund)

• NECO (National Examinations Council)

• WAEC (West African Examinations Council)

• Other government agencies

These partnerships are designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and fairness in selecting beneficiaries.

Eligible Local Government Areas

The scholarship will benefit students from all 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria. According to the Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, this ensures no part of Nigeria is left behind.

Whether you're from Lagos or a remote LGA in Borno, you have equal opportunity to benefit from this scholarship if you meet the criteria.

When Will Applications Open?

As of December 2025, the application portal and specific dates have not been officially announced yet.

However, based on the timeline:

• Programme was launched: December 11, 2025

• Programme commences: 2026

• Expected application period: Early 2026 (January - March)

Benefits

Let's break down the numbers:

For STEM Scholars:

Per student: Up to ₦600,000 per year
For 30,000 students: ₦18 billion annually
Over 10 years: ₦180 billion for 300,000 students

Overall Programme:

Year 1 (2026): Support for 45,000 students
Year 4 onwards: Support for 155,000 students annually
Total investment: ₦1 trillion over 10 years

This means tuition fees are completely covered for STEM students in public institutions. You won't need to worry about school fees if you're selected.

Government Support

The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind the initiative:

Vice President Kashim Shettima (who launched the programme):

• Described it as aligning with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda

• Called for stronger collaboration between government and private sector

• Said the programme will help build a competitive workforce

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa:

• Called it "pure human capital development"

• Said it aligns with Nigeria's goal of becoming a knowledge-based economy

• Emphasized that every LGA will benefit

NELFUND:

• Praised the initiative as expanding education financing

• Committed to working with Dangote Foundation for transparency

• Said no Nigerian should be excluded from education due to finances

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the Dangote scholarship application open?
A: Not announced yet, but expected in early 2026 since the programme commences in 2026. Check official channels regularly from January 2026.

Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No legitimate scholarship charges application fees. The Dangote Foundation scholarship will be free to apply for.

Q: Can private university students apply?
A: No. The STEM Scholars programme is specifically for public universities and polytechnics.

Q: I'm studying Law/Medicine/Business. Can I apply?
A: The STEM Scholars programme is only for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics courses. However, Medicine might be considered (check when full details are released).

Q: I'm a boy in secondary school. Can I apply?
A: The secondary school component (MHF Dangote Secondary School Girls Scholars) is specifically for girls. However, male students can benefit from the STEM or Technical scholars programmes if they meet the criteria.

Q: How many years will the scholarship cover?
A: This hasn't been specified yet. Check the application guidelines when released.

Q: Can I apply if I'm in a private polytechnic?
A: The announcement specifies "public universities and polytechnics." Private institutions are not included in the STEM Scholars programme.

Q: What if I'm not from a state with high out-of-school rates?
A: For secondary school girls, priority goes to high out-of-school states, but the programme covers all 774 LGAs, so students from every state can benefit.

Q: Can persons with disabilities apply across all three categories?
A: Yes! 25% of slots in EACH category are reserved for persons with disabilities.

Q: Is this scholarship renewable each year?
A: Details about renewal haven't been announced. This will be clarified when full programme guidelines are released.