LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Thirty students of the Federal University of Technology Owerri have been promised automatic employment upon graduation after an educational tour of the Dangote Refinery and Fertilizer Plant in Lagos, according to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nnenna Oti.
Oti disclosed the development in a message shared on social media, saying Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, personally offered the jobs after being impressed by her integrity and contributions to national development.
“Alh Aliko Dangote, President Dangote Group of Companies just called and offered the 30 FUTO students I took on tour of his refinery and fertilizer plant automatic employment on graduation,” Oti wrote. “He said this is to honor my integrity and national service to Nigeria and humanity.”
The tour held June 14–16, 2026, exposed students to one of Africa’s largest industrial projects. The Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos, is considered the biggest single-train refinery in the world, while the fertilizer plant is a major supplier of urea to both domestic and international markets.
The employment pledge is significant in Nigeria, where graduate unemployment remains a pressing challenge. Analysts say the gesture could encourage stronger collaboration between universities and private industry, helping bridge the gap between academic training and workplace readiness.
Government officials and education advocates are expected to welcome the move, seeing it as a model for how corporate leaders can support youth employment. The announcement also highlights the growing role of Nigeria’s private sector in shaping opportunities for the next generation of professionals.
For the students, the promise of jobs offers both security and motivation as they complete their studies. For the wider public, it underscores the potential of partnerships between higher education and industry to address long-standing economic concerns.
