OPay Empowers 420 Students With N126m In First Phase of N1.2bn Scholarship Scheme

Financial technology giant, OPay Nigeria, has reaffirmed its dedication to youth empowerment and educational development with the successful disbursement of its N126 million to 420 students across 20 tertiary institutions, marking the first phase of its N1.2 billion, 10-year Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scholarship scheme.

Speaking at the Empowering Futures Conference 2025 and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with beneficiary institutions in Lagos, the executive director, OPay Nigeria Board and the chief commercial officer, Elizabeth Wang, described the initiative as part of the company’s vision to create lasting social value beyond technology.

“In this first year, OPay disbursed N126 million to 420 students nationwide, providing each with N300,000 in educational support. Our vision is to become Nigeria’s most respected and socially responsible fintech company. “We believe in the future, and the students are that future. Education is the foundation upon which we will build a brighter Nigeria,” Wang said.

According to her, the decision to invest heavily in education reflects OPay’s belief that technology must serve human progress. “When we visit these universities, we meet students, deans, and families whose lives have been touched.

Their gratitude strengthens our resolve to continue building the future together”

However, she added, “Beyond scholarships, we are expanding our impact. For instance, we plan to support a cyber lab project at the University of Calabar, aligning with our mission to leverage technology for inclusion.”

Commenting on the award presentation to the universities, the vice chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof. Adebayo Bamire, lauded OPay’s commitment to supporting indigent students.

“What you have done is that you’ve made a promise and made it possible for the first year, “ he said. “This kind of consistency and sincerity in corporate social responsibility gives hope to students and parents who are struggling to keep their dreams alive,” he said.

Also speaking, OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility project manager, Itoro Udo, said the initiative demonstrates the company’s belief that progress must include compassion.

“Standing before you today fills me with pride and humility, pride in how far we have come, and humility because of the countless lives that remind us why we do what we do,” he said.

He alluded, “This ceremony is a reminder that beyond every innovation and milestone are real people whose lives we are privileged to touch.”

Ndo explained that the N1.2 billion OPay Scholarship Programme represents a bold investment in the nation’s future.

“We’ve seen young Nigerians who once faced uncertainty now daring to dream again. These are tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. Each scholarship is a spark of light and together, these sparks form a brighter sky,” he noted,

He added that OPay will continue to nurture talents and build sustainable educational partnerships nationwide.

One of the beneficiaries, Ousmane Aliu, a student from a rural community, expressed deep appreciation for the life-changing opportunity. “I come from a family of ten children, and my mother alone has carried the burden of our education. Paying school fees was becoming impossible, but thanks to OPay, I can now continue my studies. This scholarship lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” he said

Meanwhile, the chief commercial officer reaffirmed OPay’s long-term vision.

“This is only the beginning. Over the next nine years, we will continue to deliver on our promises, work with more schools, and create pathways for thousands of young Nigerians to reach their potential. Together, we will build a brighter, more inclusive future for Nigeria,” she pledged.