Nigeria’s fintech giant, OPay, has extended its ₦1.2 billion scholarship programme to Benue State University, Makurdi. The move brings the total number of beneficiary institutions under this initiative to seven, affirming OPay’s unwavering commitment to bridging educational gaps across the country.
The company’s 10-year scholarship project, which commenced earlier this year, is designed to offer financial relief to students in public tertiary institutions. The scheme aims to reduce dropout rates and improve academic focus by covering tuition and associated fees for students burdened by economic hardship. With the latest inclusion, Benue State University now joins a select group of institutions already benefiting from the initiative.
During the formal announcement, OPay’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dauda Gotring, emphasized the pivotal role of education in national progress. He stated, “We are proud to support these future leaders at Benue State University as part of our broader commitment to education and empowerment. Our vision is to uplift young Nigerians, one scholarship at a time.”
This intervention, according to stakeholders, comes at a time when many public universities are grappling with underfunding and students are increasingly unable to afford basic academic costs. The scholarship not only addresses these pressing challenges but also sends a message of hope to thousands of struggling students and their families.
Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu, Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Benue State University, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gesture. “This generous donation from OPay marks a significant milestone. It provides a crucial safety net, ensuring that students can focus on their education. This contribution will have a lasting impact, empowering students to pursue their academic goals with confidence and stability,” he said.
The programme has already been successfully rolled out in six other public universities, where hundreds of students have benefited from tuition waivers, mentoring sessions, and access to digital learning tools. With its expansion to Benue State University, the initiative now serves as a nationwide model for corporate-driven educational support.
OPay’s involvement in youth empowerment through education is also a reflection of its broader social investment philosophy. According to the company, the scholarship scheme is not merely a donation but a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria. It underscores the belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a shot at quality education.
Beneficiaries of the programme are selected through a transparent process, ensuring that merit and financial need are prioritized. By doing so, the company ensures that the most vulnerable, yet academically promising students, are given the support they need to thrive.
As the programme gains momentum, OPay has reiterated its commitment to expanding the scheme to more institutions. “We see this not as charity, but as a duty. A well-educated youth population is essential to the nation’s development,” said Gotring. The company has called on other corporate organizations to emulate this model and contribute to solving Nigeria’s educational crisis.
With this initiative now touching lives in seven universities, OPay’s scholarship programme is gradually redefining what corporate responsibility looks like in Nigeria—transforming potential into progress, one student at a time.
