Pay Digital Services Limited, operators of OPay Nigeria, has disbursed ₦126 million in scholarships to 420 students across 20 tertiary institutions in the country, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on youth empowerment through education.
The announcement was made by Elizabeth Wang, OPay’s Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer, during an event marking the first anniversary of the company’s 10-year, ₦1.2 billion scholarship scheme, themed “OPay Corporate Social Responsibility: Empowering Futures 2025.”
Wang said OPay had fully met its first-year target by providing each beneficiary with ₦300,000 in educational support, following the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the participating institutions.
“In the past one year, we’ve disbursed ₦126 million, supported 420 students, and partnered with 20 universities,” Wang said.
“We are proud to have delivered on our first-year commitment, and we intend to sustain and expand this initiative over the next nine years and beyond.”
She added that the initiative reflects OPay’s long-term belief in nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.
“We believe the future belongs to today’s students. Education is the foundation of that future, and we are committed to supporting it,” Wang stated.
Under the 10-year CSR plan, OPay aims to invest at least ₦120 million annually to support a minimum of 400 students in selected institutions nationwide.
Beneficiary schools 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.
Others are University of Abuja, University of Uyo, Ambrose Alli University, Nasarawa State University, University of Maiduguri, Federal University of Health Sciences, Bauchi, University of Jos, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Lagos State University, and Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
Vice Chancellors of some of the benefiting institutions commended OPay for its commitment to education.
Prof. Simeon Bamire, Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), described the programme as a morale booster for both students and lecturers.
“This kind of support gives students hope and helps them stay focused. We appreciate OPay and urge other corporate organisations to emulate this gesture,” Bamire said.
Similarly, Prof. Egbewole Wahab, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, praised OPay’s educational support but appealed for more investments in infrastructure.
“We also need enabling environments for effective learning. Extending such CSR efforts to laboratory equipment and facilities would be greatly appreciated,” he said.
Launched in 2024, the OPay CSR Scholarship Initiative is a key component of the company’s long-term strategy to promote inclusive education, empower young Nigerians, and contribute to national development through human capital investment.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
