In a move to bolster education and youth empowerment, Nigeria’s leading financial institution, OPay, has announced the extension of its ₦1.2 billion 10-year scholarship programme to students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. This makes OAU the third beneficiary of the initiative, which aims to support academic excellence and ease financial burdens for students.
The scholarship scheme, designed to assist promising students across Nigerian tertiary institutions, aligns with OPay’s broader strategy to invest in future leaders. By targeting universities with strong academic potential, the fintech company hopes to create opportunities that will enable students to focus on their studies without financial constraints.
Speaking on the development, OPay’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, Justin Zhang, emphasised the critical role of education in national development.
“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,” Zhang stated.
(L-R: Mr. J. Adeola Odedire, OAU’s Dean of Student Affairs; Ms. Shoyemi-Amodeni, Legit.NG Editor; Prof. Theodora O. Bello, Dean, OAU Faculty of Education; Prof. Niran Oluwanranti, OAU Director Linkages & Partnerships; Prof. Ebun Adejuyigbe, Executive Director COR; Prof. O.M.A. Daramola, OAU’s DVP Admin; Mr. Justin Zhang, OPay’s Chief Public Affairs Officer; Mr. Anuoluwapo Awoyeye, Legit.NG Editor; Dr. Lukman O. Olasunkanmi, OAU Senior Lecturer; and Prof. Odu Babajide Olugbeminiyi, Director, OAU Central Office of Research)
OAU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor O.M.A. Daramola, described the scholarship as a significant milestone for the institution.
“The university has always prioritised supporting indigent students, but there are limitations to what we can achieve alone. This generous donation from OPay provides a crucial safety net, ensuring students can focus on their education rather than basic survival. It is a game-changer for many,” he said.
A beneficiary of the scheme, Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac, a 600-level Clinical Sciences student, highlighted the relief the scholarship would bring.
“As a student in the Department of Clinical Sciences, where tuition fees are the highest at OAU, this scholarship is a huge relief. It significantly eases the financial burden on my family and allows me to concentrate fully on my studies,” he noted.
The initiative follows the successful implementation of OPay’s scholarship scheme in two other renowned Nigerian universities last year. The company has assured that the programme will continue to expand, reaching more tertiary institutions across the country.
The scholarship scheme reflects OPay’s vision that education remains a key driver of progress and social inclusion. As the initiative grows, students from diverse regions across Nigeria stand to benefit, reinforcing OPay’s long-term commitment to empowering the country’s youth.
About OPay
Founded in 2018, OPay is a leading financial institution in Nigeria, committed to making financial services more inclusive through technology. The company provides a wide range of payment solutions, including money transfers, bill payments, airtime and data purchases, card services, and merchant payments. Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), OPay continues to expand its footprint in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Oiza is a skilled writer and PR consultant with a knack for crafting compelling stories that shape brand narratives. With over eight years of experience in media relations, content strategy, and reputation management, she helps brands communicate with clarity and impact.
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