OPay, a prominent financial services company in Nigeria, has announced a major step forward in its commitment to supporting education by partnering with the University of Ibadan. This partnership involves a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide annual scholarships worth ₦300,000 each to 20 outstanding students for the next decade. This initiative shows OPay’s dedication to nurturing academic talent and empowering future leaders in Nigeria.
The MOU signing event took place at the University of Ibadan, with representatives from OPay, the university, and some scholarship recipients present. This initiative is part of OPay’s plan to support society and invest in the future of young Nigerians.
This scholarship program is set to expand beyond the University of Ibadan. OPay plans to include other universities such as Ahmadu Bello University and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, reaching 17 more institutions across Nigeria. Each year, a total of 400 students will receive financial aid through this initiative, with OPay allocating ₦120 million annually. Over the 10 years, the total investment is projected to exceed ₦1.2 billion, demonstrating OPay’s long-term commitment to educational growth and social progress in Nigeria.
University of Ibadan Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, expressed excitement for the program and its potential impact. He stated, “We are proud to be the first university involved in this project by OPay. This kind of support provides hope and encouragement to our students, allowing them to concentrate on their academic goals. We deeply appreciate OPay for this investment in our students’ futures and for acknowledging their hard work and potential.”
Dotun Adekunle, OPay’s Chief Technology and Operations Officer, expressed, “We are excited to partner with the University of Ibadan for this long-term project aimed at nurturing future leaders in Nigeria. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide ongoing financial support, helping students focus on their studies and reach their full potential.”
The scholarship recipients expressed their gratitude for this life-changing opportunity. Tijani Rose, a second-year Computer Science student, remarked, “This scholarship came as a surprise but is a huge relief. It will allow me to focus more on my studies without worrying about tuition fees.”
Another student, Toheeb Adeogun Adetayo from the Nursing Department, shared, “I feel incredibly grateful to OPay for this support. It came unexpectedly, but it means so much to me and my education.”
The ceremony not only formalized the collaboration between OPay and the University of Ibadan but also celebrated the aspirations and achievements of the scholarship awardees. This initiative reflects OPay’s ongoing commitment to positive social change through education, helping students achieve their dreams and contributing to national progress.
