OPay Expands N1.2 Billion Scholarship Program to Kwara State Polytechnic

Education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives and building a better future. However, many bright students in Nigeria struggle to continue their studies because of financial difficulties. Recognizing this challenge, OPay, a leading financial technology company, has taken a major step to support education by expanding its N1.2 billion scholarship program to Kwara State Polytechnic.

This exciting development makes Kwara State Polytechnic the first polytechnic in Nigeria to benefit from OPay’s 10-year education initiative, which aims to help students across the country achieve their academic dreams. By investing in education, OPay is not just providing financial assistance, it is helping to shape Nigeria’s future by empowering the next generation of skilled professionals, innovators, and leaders.

Scholarship Details: Helping Students Succeed

In an official statement released on Wednesday, OPay announced that 20 deserving students from Kwara State Polytechnic will each receive a scholarship worth N300,000. This financial support will help cover school fees, books, and other expenses, allowing students to focus on their studies without the constant worry of how to pay for their education.

OPay’s scholarship program goes beyond just giving money, it is part of a long-term plan to nurture talent and create opportunities for young Nigerians. The company believes that by supporting students today, it is helping to build a generation that will drive innovation, economic growth, and positive change in Nigeria.

Dauda Gotring, OPay’s Managing Director and CEO, emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying: “Our scholarship support is designed to ensure that the dreams of talented students do not fade away because of financial struggles. Through this 10-year program, we are not only easing the financial burden on today’s students, we are also empowering the leaders and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

A Growing Scholarship Program for Universities and Polytechnics

The OPay scholarship program, which began in 2023, has a bold vision: to support 400 students every year for the next decade. The program is open to students in both universities and polytechnics, ensuring that a wide range of young Nigerians can benefit.

By including Kwara State Polytechnic, OPay is making sure that students from different educational backgrounds and regions have equal opportunities. Polytechnics play a crucial role in Nigeria’s education system by providing technical and vocational training, which is essential for the country’s workforce development.

Abdul Mohammed, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, calling it a timely and life-changing opportunity for the students. “We sincerely thank OPay for bringing this scholarship to our institution. This support will have a huge impact on the lives of the selected students, giving them the motivation to excel in their studies and pursue their career goals with confidence,” he said.

OPay’s Commitment Beyond Financial Services

OPay is best known as a leading fintech company in Nigeria, offering digital payment solutions such as mobile money transfers, bill payments, and support for small businesses. However, the company’s mission goes beyond just financial services, it is also deeply committed to social impact and community development.

Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), OPay has built a reputation for reliability and innovation in the fintech industry. Its scholarship program reflects its broader goal of creating opportunities and improving lives, especially for underserved communities.

By investing in education, OPay is helping to bridge the gap between financial inclusion and human capital development. This approach aligns with a growing trend in which technology companies are using their resources to drive positive social change while also growing their businesses.

Why Polytechnics Are a Key Focus

For many years, scholarship programs in Nigeria have primarily focused on university students, leaving polytechnic students with fewer opportunities. However, polytechnics play a vital role in equipping students with practical, job-ready skills in fields like engineering, technology, and business.

Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics highlights the high unemployment rate among young Nigerians, many of whom lack the technical skills needed for available jobs. By supporting polytechnic students, OPay is helping to address this gap, ensuring that more young people gain the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

Building a Brighter Future for Nigeria

OPay’s scholarship program demonstrates the company’s belief that education and financial empowerment go hand in hand. When young people have access to quality education and financial tools, they are better prepared to contribute to Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

This initiative also serves as a model for how businesses can make a meaningful difference in society. By focusing on accessibility, fairness, and long-term impact, OPay is not just helping individual students, it is investing in the future of Nigeria as a whole.

As the scholarship program continues to grow, there is hope that OPay will expand its reach to even more institutions across the country. For now, Kwara State Polytechnic stands as a shining example of how corporate support can transform lives, as 20 students begin their academic journey with the financial security and encouragement they need to aim high and achieve greatness.

With this initiative, OPay is proving that its impact extends far beyond fintech, it is actively shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for Nigeria, one student at a time.