In a significant boost to educational support in Benue State, Dangote Cement Plc has announced a major increase in its scholarship funding for students from its host communities around the Gboko plant.
Scholarship Fund Sees Threefold Increase
The company has tripled its bursary allocation, raising it from 10 million Naira to approximately 30 million Naira for the 2025 academic year. This substantial increase was confirmed during a ceremony held in Gboko on December 29, 2025.
Plant Director for the Gboko facility, Abhijit Dutta, revealed the new figures. He was represented at the event by the Head of Finance, Olusegun Orebanjo. Dutta stated that the enhanced fund is designed to accommodate a larger number of deserving scholars, with no fewer than 230 students set to benefit from the latest education scheme.
Expanded Reach Across Mining Communities
In a move to broaden the impact of its corporate social responsibility, Dangote Cement has extended the scope of the scholarship programme. Initially focused on the immediate host community of Mbayion, the scheme now includes students from several other mining-affected areas.
The new beneficiary communities are:
- Mbatur in the Yandev district
- Mbazembe Community in the Ipav district
- Pass Brothers community in Guma Local Council
Dr. Johnson Kor, the Head of Social Performance at the Gboko Plant, explained that this expansion is part of the company's strategy to deepen its social intervention and ensure more families gain access to educational support.
A Commitment to Partnership and Development
During the presentation of the symbolic cheque, the company's leadership emphasized its view of host communities as integral partners. "We do not consider our host communities merely as neighbours, but as valued partners in progress," stated Abhijit Dutta.
He further highlighted the company's long-term vision, adding, "The sustainability of this scholarship scheme for indigent but deserving students reflects our deep-rooted passion for education and human capital development."
The scholarship presentation was part of a broader event that also celebrated the graduation of youths from a skill acquisition programme. This vocational training initiative is sponsored by the cement plant and supervised in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), showcasing a dual approach to empowerment through both academic and technical education.
This move by Dangote Cement underscores a growing corporate commitment to addressing educational challenges and investing in the future workforce of Nigeria, starting with the communities closest to its operations.
