Ile-Ife, Nigeria — In a significant boost to education and youth empowerment, leading financial institution OPay has announced the extension of its N1.2 billion 10-year scholarship initiative to students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The initiative underscores OPay’s commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders, particularly in regions rich with academic potential and talent. By providing financial assistance, the scholarship aims to ease the economic burden on students, allowing them to focus on their studies and personal growth.
OPay’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, Justin Zhang, emphasized the critical role education plays in national development and reiterated the company’s dedication to empowering students across Nigeria.
“Obafemi Awolowo University has a legacy of producing some of the nation’s brightest minds, and we are proud to support these future leaders as part of our broader commitment to education and empowerment,” Zhang said.
Expressing gratitude for the initiative, OAU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor O.M.A. Daramola, described the scholarship as a milestone for the institution.
“The university has long been committed to supporting indigenous students, but our efforts can only go so far. This generous donation from OPay goes beyond what the alumni have been able to achieve over the years. It provides a crucial safety net, ensuring that students can focus on their education rather than worrying about basic survival,” Professor Daramola remarked.
For students like Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac, a 600-level student in the Department of Clinical Sciences, the scholarship offers life-changing relief.
“As a student in the Department of Clinical Sciences with the highest tuition fees at OAU, receiving this scholarship will be a tremendous relief,” Isaac said. “It will significantly ease the financial burden on my family, allowing me to focus on my studies. This support ensures that I can complete my degree and pursue my academic goals with full confidence.”
The initiative has previously been implemented in two other renowned universities, with OAU now becoming the third beneficiary. OPay has assured Nigerians that its vision for supporting education extends to other tertiary institutions nationwide.
The scholarship initiative reflects OPay’s belief that education remains a powerful tool for driving progress and inclusivity. As the programme expands, students from various regions of Nigeria can look forward to benefiting from this life-changing opportunity, reaffirming OPay’s dedication to unlocking multiple potentials and creating a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.