OPay Extends N1.2 Billion Scholarship Scheme with N6 Million Award to Benue State University

In a resounding show of commitment to education and youth empowerment, OPay Digital Services Limited has awarded N6 million in scholarships to students of Benue State University, deepening the impact of its ambitious ₦1.2 billion, 10-year national scholarship scheme. The move marks the institution as the seventh beneficiary of the program since its launch in 2023, positioning OPay not just as a fintech powerhouse but as a transformative force in Nigeria’s socio-educational landscape.

This initiative is part of OPay’s expansive blueprint to support 400 Nigerian students annually across various universities and polytechnics. With a dedicated ₦120 million yearly disbursement, the program underscores the company’s belief that education is not merely an individual investment, but a national imperative.

“This generous donation from OPay marks a significant milestone,” said Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu, Vice Chancellor of Benue State University. “It provides a crucial safety net, ensuring that students can focus on their education.”

Empowering Nigeria’s Academic Future

The scholarship program is more than financial aid—it is a strategic tool for talent cultivation and future-proofing Nigeria’s human capital. With the growing gap in educational funding, particularly for underprivileged students, initiatives like this hold enormous potential to level the playing field.

“We are proud to support these future leaders at Benue State University,” noted Mr. Dauda Gotring, MD/CEO of OPay. “Our goal is to ensure these students not only dream big but are given the opportunity to pursue those dreams without financial hindrance.”

In reinforcing this vision, Gotring highlighted that each beneficiary of the scholarship is more than a statistic—they represent families, communities, and future innovation drivers in Nigeria. The initiative seeks to bridge the accessibility gap, especially for those in underserved regions, reflecting OPay’s ethos of inclusive development.

A Growing Footprint Across Nigerian Campuses

Since the launch of the scholarship scheme, OPay has steadily expanded its reach:

• In March, 20 undergraduates at the University of Ilorin received N300,000 each.
  
• The same month, Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife joined the list of beneficiaries.
  
• In April, 20 students from Kwara State Polytechnic were awarded scholarships, making it the first polytechnic to join the scheme.
  
• May saw the program extend to the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA).
  
• At Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 40 students received a collective N12 million in funding.
  
• In November, the program touched the University of Ibadan, and a roadmap was unveiled to extend to Nnamdi Azikiwe University and 17 more institutions.
  

Each new entry signals OPay’s deliberate and inclusive rollout strategy—ensuring broad geographical and institutional representation.

Building Beyond Financial Services

Founded in 2018 and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, OPay has rapidly risen to prominence by driving financial inclusion and digitizing payments for millions. However, this scholarship initiative shows a parallel mission: leveraging financial success to unlock educational opportunity.

With services spanning mobile money, bill payments, and merchant solutions, OPay has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s digital economy. Yet, its growing social investment in education demonstrates the company’s long-view thinking—one that links economic growth with academic empowerment.

The Bigger Picture

OPay’s scholarship initiative reflects a belief that the future of Nigeria depends on educated, empowered youth. In investing N1.2 billion over a decade, the company is not merely offering aid—it’s planting seeds of leadership, innovation, and progress across the country.

As the program continues to expand, students from all corners of Nigeria can anticipate inclusion in this transformative journey. With education as a vehicle and fintech as a driver, OPay is reshaping what it means to be a corporate citizen in Africa.