OPay Empowers 420 Students with ₦126 Million Scholarships Across 20 Nigerian Institutions
csrreporters 
Leading financial technology company OPay has awarded ₦126 million in scholarships to 420 students across 20 tertiary institutions in Nigeria, marking the first phase of its ₦1.2 billion Empowering Futures Scholarship Programme — a decade-long initiative aimed at advancing education and youth development.
The announcement was made at the Empowering Futures Conference 2025 held in Lagos on Friday, October 31, where stakeholders from academia, the private sector, and the media gathered to evaluate OPay’s social impact and discuss opportunities for greater investment in education.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between OPay and the participating institutions, officially launching the scholarship programme designed to support academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students nationwide.
Representing OPay, Elizabeth Wang, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, reaffirmed OPay’s dedication to fostering inclusive education and youth empowerment.
“Since our establishment in Nigeria in 2018, our mission has been to make financial services more inclusive through technology. Beyond that, we believe education is the bedrock of national development, and students represent the future,” Wang said.
“That’s why OPay is committed to sponsoring 20 students from each partner institution every year for the next 10 years, helping them pursue their academic dreams with ease.”
Wang also revealed OPay’s plans to establish Cyber Labs and create graduate employment opportunities within its workforce of over 5,000 employees, as part of its broader youth empowerment strategy.
Under the ₦1.2 billion Empowering Futures Scholarship Programme, OPay will provide ₦120 million annually to support 400 outstanding students across universities and polytechnics in Nigeria.
“In 2024, we embarked on a decade-long journey with purpose — to expand access to education, unlock opportunities, and empower the next generation of leaders,” the company stated.
“Today, we proudly celebrate the successful completion of our first year — one filled with inspiring stories of resilience, excellence, and renewed hope.”
In its inaugural year, OPay awarded ₦300,000 each to 420 beneficiaries, reflecting its long-term vision to drive educational advancement and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth through sustainable CSR initiatives.
The 20 partner institutions include:
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University; University of Ilorin; Kwara State Polytechnic; Federal University of Technology, Minna; Benue State University, Makurdi; University of Calabar; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; University of Abuja; University of Uyo; Federal Polytechnic, Nekede; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare; Nasarawa State University; University of Maiduguri; University of Jos; Bayero University, Kano; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; and Lagos State University.
Commending the initiative, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, described OPay’s scholarship project as “a laudable initiative that reflects genuine commitment to Nigeria’s development.”
Similarly, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, expressed appreciation, noting that the scholarship will “bring relief to students who might otherwise have to suspend their education due to financial constraints.”
Founded in 2018, OPay provides inclusive mobile-based financial services to millions of users across Nigeria. Through digital payment solutions, savings products, and initiatives like the Empowering Futures Scholarship Programme, OPay continues to champion financial inclusion, education, and socio-economic development across Africa.