Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited have announced a donation of school supplies worth N241 million to support 3,704 students from local communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. This initiative represents their ongoing dedication to advancing education and promoting community growth.
The donation was revealed at the 6th Dangote Scholarship Award Programme, where school bags, uniforms, sandals, and sanitary kits were distributed to 1,348 primary school pupils in five schools, along with 2,356 secondary students from four schools.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Dangote Group expressed that the efforts are aimed at facilitating better access to quality education and improving the overall learning environment for students in the region.
During the event, Edwin Devakumar, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, emphasized the organization’s belief in education as a vital mechanism for societal progress.
He pointed out that since the inception of the scholarship initiative in 2019, the program has consistently grown in both reach and effectiveness, benefitting hundreds of students every year, though there was a temporary halt in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Devakumar indicated that 442 students are currently enrolled in the 2025 scholarship cycle.
The growth of the program was elaborated upon, showing that only 56 secondary school students received support in 2019, while the program resumed in 2021 with 138 beneficiaries including 117 secondary and 19 tertiary students. The following years saw increases, with 460 students supported in 2022, 469 in 2023, and 473 in 2024, culminating in the current 442 students benefitting in 2025.
Beyond scholarships, he noted that the group's social investment also includes skills enhancement and job creation initiatives.
He revealed that 22 youths from the local communities recently completed certification programs in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering through City & Guilds of London, with 19 securing employment within the company.
Devakumar stated, "At the Dangote Group, our philosophy is straightforward: the welfare of our communities and the success of our businesses should go hand in hand."
He added, "Through initiatives like this, we are making significant contributions to global development targets focused on quality education, poverty alleviation, and providing decent job opportunities. Our actions align with international objectives aimed at enhancing educational access, fostering employment skills, and encouraging inclusive economic growth."
He highlighted, "Importantly, these programs signify our belief that no young individual should be hindered by their circumstances when they possess the talent and drive to succeed."
The program was also backed by the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which contributed to the distribution of educational kits.
Rasaki Kasali, Executive Chairman of Lekki LCDA, praised the initiative, calling it timely and impactful, while encouraging the company to consider extending similar support to surrounding communities.
He remarked, "Other communities have been yearning for this level of development that the host communities enjoy. Dangote has been making commendable efforts, and we appreciate them. For the Lekki LCDA community, we extend our gratitude to Dangote and will continue to request further support."
The Onilekki of Lekki Land, HRM Oba Kazeem Olumuyiwa Ogunbekun, also conveyed his gratitude for the company's ongoing contributions, noting their positive effect on community relations and livelihoods.
"Our communities are grateful for what Dangote has accomplished over the past six to seven years. We urge them to maintain these efforts, and we will continue to back initiatives that enhance community development," he stated.
Beneficiaries voiced their appreciation for the support, with Yusiot Taiwo, a graduate of the City & Guilds of London, describing the initiative as transformative, as it opened doors to employment with Dangote Fertiliser.
Similarly, Saheed Olukayode, a local of Ibeju-Lekki, expressed how the program has rekindled his aspirations for further education while thanking the company for its assistance.
The Dangote Group reiterated its pledge to ensure that its expansion aligns with the wellbeing of the communities it serves, focusing on education, skills enhancement, and providing inclusive opportunities.
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