OPay Extends N1.2bn 10-Year Scholarship Program to OAU


Nigeria’s leading financial institution, OPay, has extended its N1.2 billion 10-year scholarship initiative to students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, making it the third university in the country to benefit from the program.
According to a statement released by the financial institution, the scholarship aligns with its dedication to education and youth development.
OPay emphasized that this initiative strengthens its commitment to empowering young Nigerians and promoting academic excellence within higher institutions. The scholarship is specifically designed to reduce students’ financial challenges, allowing them to concentrate on their studies and personal growth. By introducing the scheme at OAU, OPay continues to execute its strategic plan of investing in future leaders, particularly in areas with diverse academic talent and potential.
Discussing the initiative and its extension to OAU, OPay’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Justin Zhang, stressed the vital role education plays in national development and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating opportunities for students across Nigeria.
“Obafemi Awolowo University has a legacy of producing some of the nation’s brightest minds, and we are proud to support these future leaders as part of our broader commitment to education and empowerment,” he said.
The OAU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), Professor Yomi Daramola, remarked, “The university has long been committed to supporting indigent students, but our efforts can only go so far. This generous donation from OPay marks a significant milestone, going beyond what the alumni have been able to achieve over the years. It provides a crucial safety net, ensuring that students can focus on their education rather than worrying about basic survival. This contribution will have a lasting impact, empowering students to pursue their academic goals with confidence and stability.”
A 600-level Clinical Sciences student, Omoboriowo Isaac, who attended the unveiling of the scholarship initiative, shared his thoughts, stating, “As a student in the Department of Clinical Sciences with the highest tuition fees at OAU, receiving this scholarship will be a tremendous relief. It will significantly ease the financial burden on my family, allowing me to focus on my studies. This support ensures that I can complete my degree and pursue my academic goals with full confidence.”
The recipients of this scholarship are not just students; they symbolize the aspirations of their families and communities, with OPay playing a crucial role in ensuring their success. This latest expansion follows the successful rollout of the program in two other prestigious universities last year.
Although OAU is the third institution to benefit, OPay has assured Nigerians that its long-term vision includes supporting more higher institutions nationwide. The scholarship initiative reflects OPay’s belief that education is a fundamental driver of progress and inclusivity.
As the program continues to grow, students from different parts of Nigeria can anticipate benefiting from this transformative initiative, reinforcing OPay’s dedication to unlocking talent and fostering a brighter future for young Nigerians.