Aliko Dangote has sparked fresh debate after making detailed claims about the overseas education of a senior government official’s children.
The unexpected allegation has drawn public attention to issues of wealth, transparency, and public trust.
It also comes at a time when economic pressure continues to affect many Nigerian families.
In a paid newspaper advert published on Tuesday, Dangote alleged that Farouk Ahmed, chief executive officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, spent about $5 million on his children’s secondary school education in Switzerland.
According to the businessman, the payments covered a six-year period and involved four children.
The claim followed an earlier statement Dangote made on Monday, which immediately stirred national conversation.
Dangote described the alleged spending as “economic sabotage and corruption,” a phrase that quickly gained traction online.
However, no official response from Ahmed had been recorded at the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, the advert provided detailed figures and names, which intensified public interest.
Providing further breakdowns, Dangote named the children as Faisal Farouk, Farouk Jr., Ashraf Farouk, and Farhana Farouk.
He also listed the schools attended as Montreux School, Aiglon College, Institut Le Rosey, and La Garenne International School.
Moreover, he said the figures were based on tuition, living costs, travel, and upkeep.
According to Dangote, the annual cost per child stood at about $200,000.
Therefore, he estimated $800,000 yearly for the four children combined.
He further explained that living expenses and travel over six years reached $1.2 million per child.
This calculation, he said, resulted in about $4.8 million overall.
Consequently, Dangote placed the total estimated secondary education cost at $5 million.
In addition, he raised concerns about tertiary education expenses.
Dangote alleged that each child’s university education cost about $125,000 per year.
This, he said, totaled $500,000 per child over four years.
Altogether, the figure allegedly reached $2 million for all the children.
Highlighting one example, Dangote stated, “Faisal just finished 2025 Harvard MBA at $150,000 and $60,000 for upkeep, tickets and other incidentals.
Total = $210,000 spent in 2025 for Faisal’s MBA.”
The statement added weight to the Dangote allegations against Farouk Ahmed.
Furthermore, Dangote questioned the source of the funds.
He said Nigerians deserve clarity, especially given the country’s economic realities.
“Paid by a public officer while many parents in his home state of Sokoto cannot afford to pay N10,000 school fees,” he added.
However, sources close to the matter say the claims remain allegations.
No investigation has yet been announced.
Nevertheless, the issue has renewed calls for transparency among public office holders.
