Nigeria’s leading financial institution, OPay, has strengthened its commitment to advancing education by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Ibadan, launching a transformative scholarship program. This landmark partnership aims to support 20 exceptional students annually with ₦300,000 scholarships over the next decade, underscoring OPay’s mission to empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders through education.
The signing ceremony took place at the University of Ibadan, where representatives from OPay and the university’s senior staff joined scholarship beneficiaries to celebrate this milestone. The initiative represents a significant corporate social responsibility (CSR) project for OPay, marking the start of a program that will expand to Ahmadu Bello University, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and ultimately, 17 additional tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
OPay has committed to sponsoring 400 students annually, investing ₦120 million each year, with an impressive ₦1.2 billion pledged over the next 10 years. Through this initiative, OPay aims to increase its positive social impact, fostering educational opportunities and supporting Nigeria’s future leaders.
Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “We are excited to be pioneers of this project from OPay. This beams a ray of hope to promising youths and helps them focus solely on their academics. On behalf of the University of Ibadan, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to OPay for recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talents of our students. This award not only celebrates the achievements of these 20 undergraduate students but also reflects OPay’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders,” he said.
Dotun Adekunle, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Operating Officer at OPay, emphasized the institution’s long-term vision, saying, “OPay is honored to enter a long-term partnership with the University of Ibadan to support Nigeria’s future leaders over the next 10 years. By providing sustained financial support, we aim to help these students dedicate themselves to their studies and achieve their full potential.”
The scholarship program targets students who excel academically, demonstrate innovative thinking, and show a strong commitment to community service. For Tijani Rose, a second-year Computer Science student at the University of Ibadan, this scholarship has brought new possibilities. “This was an unexpected but very welcome opportunity,” she shared. “This scholarship will greatly impact my education by allowing me to focus on what really matters—my grades and studies—without worrying about school fees.”
Similarly, Toheeb Adeogun Adetayo from the Nursing Department expressed his excitement. “I am feeling so happy right now being a beneficiary of OPay’s scholarship. It was so unexpected. I just received the call that I am one of the beneficiaries, and I am very grateful to OPay,” he said.
Through this scholarship initiative, OPay reinforces its commitment to positive social change in Nigeria’s educational sector, helping talented students pursue their dreams. This partnership not only reflects OPay’s dedication to empowering individuals but also aligns with its broader vision to contribute to Nigeria’s development through education and opportunity.
