Pay Digital Services Limited, operators of OPay Nigeria, has announced the successful disbursement of ₦126 million in scholarships to 420 students across 20 tertiary institutions in the country under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on supporting higher education access and youth development. The initiative forms part of the company’s 10-year ₦1.2 billion OPay Scholarship Scheme, designed to empower Nigerian students through sustained, long-term investment in learning and capacity building.
The milestone was revealed at the weekend by OPay’s Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer, Elizabeth Wang, during an event in Lagos marking the first anniversary of the scholarship programme themed “OPay Corporate Social Responsibility: Empowering Futures 2025.” The event brought together beneficiaries, university administrators, policymakers, and senior company executives to celebrate the programme’s progress and reaffirm the company’s commitment to advancing education across Nigeria.
Wang stated that the fintech firm has fulfilled its first-year target by providing each beneficiary with ₦300,000 in educational support following the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with all participating tertiary institutions. According to her, the initiative reflects OPay’s deliberate strategy to promote education, innovation, and social development by enabling students to pursue academic aspirations without the burden of financial strain.
“In the past one year, we’ve disbursed ₦126 million, supported 420 students, and partnered with 20 universities,” she said. “We are proud to have delivered on our first-year commitment, and we will continue to sustain and expand this initiative over the next nine years and beyond.”
Wang emphasized that the programme is inspired by OPay’s belief in the transformational power of education in shaping national progress and nurturing future leaders. “We believe in the future and who is the future? The students are the future, education is the future,” she said. “That’s why Opay is committed to making meaningful contributions to the future of Nigeria.”
Under the decade-long CSR framework, OPay plans to invest a minimum of ₦120 million annually, supporting no fewer than 400 undergraduate students across selected tertiary institutions nationwide. Each year, beneficiaries receive financial support to cover tuition and academic materials, easing the burden on families and reducing barriers to learning for high-potential students.
Beneficiary institutions in the first phase of the programme include Ahmadu Bello University, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Benue State University, University of Calabar, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Bayero University Kano, and Kwara State Polytechnic, among others. The selection of institutions reflects a plan to ensure broad geographic representation and equitable regional access to the scheme.
According to the company, beneficiaries were selected through institutional nomination processes that prioritized academic merit, financial need, and demonstrated leadership potential. Vice-chancellors and deans of participating universities, who spoke during the ceremony, commended OPay for investing in the educational aspirations of Nigerian youths, describing the initiative as a timely intervention amid rising financial pressures on students and families.
University representatives highlighted that the scholarship has already begun to make measurable academic impact, with several beneficiaries reporting improved performance due to reduced financial stress and greater focus on learning. They urged more private-sector organizations to take a cue from OPay by supporting human-capital development initiatives capable of strengthening Nigeria’s long-term economic competitiveness.
Some beneficiaries, who shared their experiences at the anniversary ceremony, expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the funds had significantly eased the challenges of tuition payment and academic expenses. They described the scholarship as a life-changing opportunity that not only relieves financial worries but also boosts confidence and motivation to excel academically.
Education analysts note that OPay’s education-support model aligns with a growing trend of private-sector involvement in social-impact initiatives, particularly in sectors such as technology, finance, and telecommunications. According to development experts, sustained investments like the OPay Scholarships could help close the gap in higher-education funding, complementing government efforts to expand access and reduce inequality.
The initiative also dovetails with Nigeria’s broader push to strengthen youth empowerment, digital literacy, and workforce readiness in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. Analysts believe that deepening collaboration between private organizations and educational institutions will be crucial for equipping young Nigerians with skills, knowledge, and exposure necessary to compete globally.
Wang reiterated that OPay remains committed to sustaining the scheme and expanding its reach, stating that the company views investment in students as an investment in Nigeria’s long-term social and economic stability. She stressed that OPay will continue to evaluate the programme’s impact annually and explore opportunities to reach more institutions and categories of learners in the coming years.
With the first year successfully completed, the company says it is poised to scale its scholarship efforts while exploring additional CSR investments in digital literacy, entrepreneurship development, and technology-driven learning access, reinforcing its mission to contribute meaningfully to national development.
