A life-changing scholarship from OPay, a leading financial services provider, has enabled Ayuba Bello, a student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), to pursue his dream of higher education—without the heartbreaking sacrifice of his family’s farmland.
In a statement on Sunday, OPay reaffirmed its commitment to transforming lives through its scholarship initiative, which not only covers tuition fees but also provides additional resources to help students thrive academically and personally.
For Ayuba, gaining admission to the prestigious ABU Zaria was the realization of a lifelong dream. However, financial constraints nearly derailed his education. Born into a family of subsistence farmers, the 27-year-old is one of ten children. Last year, faced with the harsh reality of tuition costs, his family’s only option was to sell their farmland—their primary source of livelihood.
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“Selling the land would have left me with lifelong guilt,” Ayuba shared. “I didn’t want my education to come at the cost of my family’s survival.”
Thankfully, OPay’s scholarship program provided a timely intervention, ensuring Ayuba’s education while preserving his family’s means of sustenance.
The scholarship’s benefits extended far beyond Ayuba alone. His father expressed gratitude, revealing how the continued use of their farmland allowed them to sustain the household.
“With last year’s harvest, we were able to sell enough produce to meet other family needs. OPay’s scholarship didn’t just help Ayuba; it supported our entire family,” he said.
According to a 2021 Statista report, a staggering 41% of students in upper secondary education are out of school due to financial barriers. With rising inflation, the cost of education has nearly doubled over the past five years, making initiatives like OPay’s scholarship a vital lifeline for many.
Elizabeth Wang, Executive Director, OPay Board & Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the company’s dedication to bridging the financial gap in education.
“Ayuba Bello’s story is a powerful example of how access to education can transform lives,” Wang stated. “OPay is committed to ensuring that no talented student has to choose between their dreams and their family’s livelihood.”
Inspired by his opportunity, Ayuba is already planning ways to give back. As a political science student, he hopes to use his education to enhance agricultural practices in his community.
“This scholarship isn’t just for me; it’s a chance to uplift others,” he affirmed.
Founded in 2018, OPay provides a wide range of financial services, including money transfers, bill payments, airtime and data purchases, card services, and merchant payments. The company continues to invest in impactful initiatives that drive social and economic progress across Nigeria.
