OPay Empowers 420 Students with N126m in First Phase of N1.2bn Scholarship Scheme

Leading financial technology company, OPay, has awarded scholarships worth N126 million to 420 Nigerian students as part of the first phase of its N1.2 billion OPay Education Scholarship Programme, aimed at empowering young Nigerians through access to quality education and capacity development.The scholarship initiative, which was officially launched in Lagos, forms part of OPay’s long-term corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda to promote education, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment across the country. The company said the programme is designed to support students from low-income backgrounds by providing financial aid that covers tuition fees and other essential academic expenses.

Speaking during the award presentation, OPay’s Managing Director, Dauda Gotring, said the scholarship represents the company’s commitment to investing in the future of Nigerian youth and contributing to national development through education.

“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives. Through this scholarship scheme, we are helping to bridge the gap for students who are academically gifted but financially constrained. This initiative is our way of giving back to society and fostering a brighter future for Nigeria,” Gotring said.

He explained that the N1.2 billion scheme would be disbursed in phases, reaching over 4,000 students across the six geopolitical zones. The selection process, he added, was merit-based, transparent, and executed in partnership with reputable educational bodies and institutions.

Gotring noted that OPay, beyond providing digital financial services, remains committed to initiatives that drive social progress. “We believe that empowering young Nigerians through education will have a multiplier effect on innovation, economic growth, and societal development,” he said.

He added that the scholarship programme is part of OPay’s broader mission to build an inclusive financial ecosystem that empowers individuals and communities across Nigeria.

The beneficiaries, drawn from both public and private tertiary institutions, expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, describing it as a life-changing intervention. One of the recipients, Amina Yusuf, a student of Ahmadu Bello University, said the scholarship had lifted a major financial burden off her family. “This scholarship is a dream come true for me. It will enable me to focus on my studies without worrying about tuition or other expenses,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Emmanuel Chukwu from the University of Lagos, commended OPay for its commitment to education, noting that many students face financial challenges that hinder their academic performance. “OPay’s gesture is timely and inspiring. It shows that the private sector can play a major role in supporting education,” he remarked.

In his address, OPay’s Chief Marketing Officer, James Li, reiterated the company’s dedication to advancing youth empowerment. He stated that education remains central to OPay’s philosophy of building a prosperous and technology-driven Nigeria.

“We understand that today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators. Through this scholarship, we are sowing seeds that will yield a generation of leaders equipped with knowledge and skills to shape the future,” Li stated.

He also mentioned that the next phase of the scholarship will expand its reach to more states, targeting students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to align with Nigeria’s digital transformation goals.

The event attracted dignitaries from the education sector, government agencies, and the financial technology industry, who all commended OPay for its bold investment in the nation’s human capital. Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education praised the company for complementing government efforts in improving access to tertiary education.

Education stakeholders at the event noted that public-private partnerships such as OPay’s scholarship scheme play a crucial role in addressing funding gaps and ensuring that more young Nigerians have access to higher education.

OPay, which has grown into one of Africa’s most trusted fintech brands, said its scholarship initiative is a demonstration of its social commitment to Nigeria, a country that has been central to its success story.

The company added that it will continue to introduce developmental programmes that focus on education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. It also called on other corporate organizations to emulate the gesture by investing in initiatives that promote learning and skill development.

Gotring concluded by reaffirming OPay’s long-term vision of helping to build a future where every young Nigerian, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive through education. “We are confident that this initiative will inspire hope, create opportunities, and unlock the potential of our nation’s brightest minds,” he said.

 

With the launch of the N1.2 billion scholarship fund, OPay joins a growing list of private sector players contributing to Nigeria’s human capital development, reinforcing the critical role of innovation-driven companies in national progress.