In a landmark collaboration set to impact the educational landscape in Nigeria, Lagos State University (LASU) has officially joined the list of beneficiaries of the ₦1.2 billion OPay 10-Year Scholarship Programme. The initiative, designed to support exceptional yet financially challenged students across the country, marks a major step in OPay’s ongoing commitment to empowering young Nigerians through education and technology.
The partnership was formalized at an official signing ceremony held at LASU, where representatives from OPay Digital Services Limited and the university’s management signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to seal the agreement.
20 LASU Students to Benefit Annually for the Next 10 Years
Under the new arrangement, twenty (20) deserving students from Lagos State University will be awarded full scholarships every year for the next decade. The funding will cover tuition and other academic-related costs, ensuring that brilliant students from underprivileged backgrounds can complete their studies without financial distress.
This brings LASU into OPay’s growing network of Nigerian universities benefiting from the fintech company’s long-term educational initiative, aimed at nurturing the next generation of innovators, leaders, and professionals.
Vice Chancellor Commends OPay’s Commitment to Education
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, expressed profound appreciation to OPay for including the institution in the scholarship scheme. She lauded the company’s strategic investment in education, describing it as a noble act that aligns perfectly with the university’s vision of promoting academic excellence and equal opportunity.
According to the Vice Chancellor, the initiative will not only ease the financial burdens of many students but will also encourage healthy academic competition among them.
“This partnership with OPay is timely and transformative. It will help brilliant but economically disadvantaged students focus on their studies without the distraction of financial worries. We are deeply grateful for this gesture, which reflects OPay’s genuine commitment to youth empowerment and social impact,” she stated.
OPay Reaffirms Dedication to Youth Empowerment and Innovation
Representing OPay at the event, Elizabeth Wang, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company, reiterated OPay’s belief that education remains a key driver of national development. She emphasized that the scholarship is part of OPay’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative titled “Empowering Futures”, which focuses on advancing education, digital literacy, and employability across Nigeria.
Wang also hinted at additional projects the company is considering for LASU students, including the establishment of cyberlabs, digital skill hubs, and graduate employment opportunities in the near future.
“We recognize that Nigeria’s strength lies in its young people. Through this ₦1.2 billion scholarship programme, we are investing not just in students, but in the country’s future innovators and leaders,” she said.
Inside the ₦1.2 Billion OPay 10-Year Scholarship Programme
OPay’s ₦1.2 billion scholarship programme is one of the most ambitious private-sector educational sponsorships in recent years. Spread over ten years, the programme will support hundreds of students across multiple Nigerian universities.
Key features of the initiative include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Funding | ₦1.2 billion |
| Duration | 10 years |
| Beneficiary Universities | Multiple Nigerian tertiary institutions, including LASU |
| Beneficiaries per Institution | 20 students annually |
| Focus | Academically excellent and financially disadvantaged students |
| Coverage | Full tuition and educational support for selected students |
| Additional Benefits | Access to OPay mentorship, cyberlabs, and graduate employment initiatives |
Through this structured approach, OPay aims to bridge the financial gap faced by talented students who struggle to afford quality higher education, while also contributing to national capacity building.
A Lifeline for Students Facing Financial Hardship
For many LASU students, this partnership could be a turning point. The high cost of tertiary education remains a major challenge in Nigeria, forcing many students to drop out or engage in menial jobs to sustain their studies. OPay’s scholarship will help ease these burdens by offering a fully funded educational pathway to deserving beneficiaries.
Beyond the financial support, the initiative is expected to motivate students to aim for academic excellence, as the scholarship selection process will likely prioritize outstanding academic performance and good character.
Beyond Scholarships: Technology and Employment Prospects
One of the most exciting components of the partnership is OPay’s plan to introduce cyberlabs and digital skill training centres on university campuses. These facilities will provide students with access to modern digital tools, software, and real-world problem-solving experiences—helping to close the digital divide and prepare graduates for the future of work.
Additionally, OPay has expressed intentions to create graduate employment opportunities for scholarship recipients who excel during their academic programmes. This indicates that the scholarship is not just about funding education, but also about creating a sustainable talent pipeline for Nigeria’s tech and financial sectors.
