OPay Awards ₦126 Million in Scholarships to 420 Students Across Nigeria
Nigerian fintech company OPay has fulfilled the first year of its ten-year, ₦1.2 billion scholarship programme by awarding ₦126 million to 420 selected undergraduate students from 20 tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Quick Insight: With each recipient set to receive ₦300,000 per year, this initiative is designed to ease financial burdens and empower students from diverse backgrounds to focus on their academics and future careers.
1. Programme Highlights
• The scholarship initiative is a ten-year commitment by OPay, aimed at awarding around 400 students annually.
• Each student receives ₦300,000 yearly, intended to cover tuition and related academic expenses.
• The latest figures show ₦126 million awarded in the programme’s first year, spanning 420 students from 20 institutions.
2. Beneficiary Institutions & Reach
• The scholarship covers both universities and polytechnics across Nigeria, including institutions such as University of Ibadan (UI) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).
• Recipients are selected based on merit, academic performance and financial need — emphasising inclusion and excellence.
3. Strategic Implications
• By funding tertiary education at scale, OPay is strengthening Nigeria’s talent pipeline — particularly in technology, fintech and emerging skills sectors.
• The programme also enhances OPay’s brand as a socially-responsible fintech player committed to youth empowerment and financial inclusion.
• As education costs rise, sustained private sector contributions like this become increasingly important in reducing dropout rates and enabling students to complete their studies.
Final Thoughts
OPay’s scholarship drive is a major step towards bridging the educational finance gap in Nigeria. For the students involved, the support means more than money — it means continuity, focus and the chance to fully engage in their studies without the constant stress of funding.
If the ten-year model holds and expands as planned, this initiative could serve as a template for other corporations looking to make meaningful long-term investments in youth and education.
Tip: Students, aspiring applicants and university administrators should maintain close communication with OPay’s scholarship portal, ensure documentation is up-to-date, and meet any ongoing academic performance requirements to remain eligible year after year.
