In a gesture aimed at promoting academic excellence and easing financial burdens, OPay Digital Services Limited has awarded scholarships worth six million naira to 20 students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA). The presentation of the awards coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the fintech company and the university on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Academic Publishing Centre on the institution’s main campus.
Addressing attendees, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTMINNA, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta, commended OPay for its commitment to education and social development. He described the scholarship initiative as a timely intervention that would have a tangible impact on the lives of the selected students. According to him, FUTMINNA remains committed to maintaining affordability in its tuition structure, ensuring access to education for students from less privileged backgrounds.
The N6 million scholarship package, disbursed as N300,000 per student, was awarded based on a combination of academic merit and demonstrated financial need. The selection was handled by a committee constituted by the university to ensure fairness and transparency in the process. The recipients, drawn from various faculties, expressed gratitude for the support, which they said would help alleviate their educational expenses.
Speaking during the ceremony, OPay’s Managing Director, Mr. Dauda Gotring, said the initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy aimed at supporting youth empowerment through education. He lauded FUTMINNA graduates for their impressive track records and emphasized OPay’s resolve to contribute to building Nigeria’s human capital through sustained support to the education sector.
The formal signing of the MoU between both parties marked the beginning of a structured partnership that will ensure continuity of the scholarship scheme in subsequent years. The agreement outlines the shared roles and responsibilities of the university and OPay in managing the selection process, disbursement, and monitoring of beneficiaries’ progress.
Key university officials and members of the Career Development Committee were present to witness the event, alongside OPay representatives including Mr. Mohammed Sani, Manager of Government Relations; Mr. Daniel Joseph, State Manager for Niger State; and Mr. Moses Richard, Compliance Officer in Abuja. Their presence underscored OPay’s strong institutional commitment to the initiative.
For the students, the scholarship comes not only as financial relief but also as motivation to strive for greater academic excellence. Some recipients shared their aspirations to use the support as a stepping stone to contribute meaningfully to society and give back in the future.
The FUTMINNA-OPay scholarship partnership signals a growing trend of private sector involvement in tertiary education support. As inflation and economic challenges continue to impact Nigerian households, such interventions are increasingly vital in helping students stay focused on their studies and achieve their academic goals.
