KEY POINTS

• OPay collaborates with the University of Ibadan to launch a decade-long scholarship program, awarding N300,000 to 20 students annually.
• The program aims to extend to 19 universities across Nigeria, targeting a total investment of N1.2 billion over ten years.
• Scholarships will empower students to concentrate on their studies, promoting educational access and future leadership in Nigeria.

OPay, a prominent digital financial services platform, has partnered with Nigeria’s University of Ibadan (UI) to provide N300,000 scholarships to 20 exceptional students every year for the next decade.

According to Punch, this initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is set to channel long-term funding into Nigeria’s academic sphere, offering scholarships worth N120 million annually to empower high-achieving students.

Scaling up nationwide: N1.2 billion commitment over 10 years

At the MOU signing ceremony at the University of Ibadan, OPay announced its broader vision to expand the scholarship program beyond UI, extending to Ahmadu Bello University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and 17 other institutions nationwide.

Through this initiative, OPay aims to sponsor 400 students across Nigeria, with a projected total investment of over N1.2 billion by the end of the decade, underscoring its commitment to amplifying positive social impact through education.

Building tomorrow’s leaders

Speaking at the event, University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the transformative effect it would have on students’ academic journeys. “This partnership beams a ray of hope to promising youths and helps them focus solely on their academics,” he said. “The award not only celebrates the achievements of these 20 students but also reflects OPay’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.”

OPay’s Chief Technology and Operating Officer, Dotun Adekunle, highlighted the company’s commitment to driving societal change through sustained financial support. “OPay is honored to enter a long-term partnership with the University of Ibadan to support Nigeria’s future leaders over the next 10 years,” Adekunle said. “By providing sustained financial support, we aim to help these students dedicate themselves to their studies and achieve their full potential.”

Empowering students to focus on their future

For beneficiaries like Tijani Rose, a second-year Computer Science student at the University of Ibadan, the scholarship offers a chance to concentrate more fully on her studies without the worry of financial constraints.

This initiative, she shared, would enable her to achieve her academic goals and prepare for a bright future.

OPay’s partnership with the University of Ibadan marks a significant step in fostering educational access and supporting Nigeria’s future leaders, setting a new standard for corporate involvement in higher education.