OPay, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has expanded its 10-year scholarship initiative to Kwara State Polytechnic, marking a milestone in the company’s long-term commitment to supporting education across Nigeria.

In a statement made available to The PUNCH by the firm on Wednesday, the partnership will see 20 outstanding students from the institution benefit from scholarships valued at N300,000 each, making Kwara State Polytechnic the first polytechnic to be included in OPay’s N1.2bn 10-Year Scholarship Programme.

The scholarship programme, launched to reduce the financial burden faced by students in tertiary institutions, aims to empower the next generation of leaders by providing them with the resources they need to focus fully on their academic and personal growth.

Speaking on the expansion of the initiative, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of OPay, Dauda Gotring, emphasised the company’s commitment to investing in the future of Nigeria’s youth.

“Our scholarship support is to ensure that the dreams of talented scholars do not die,” Gotring said. “Through this 10-year scholarship program, we’re not just easing the financial stress of today’s students, we are empowering a generation that will drive innovation and progress.”

It added that the N1.2bn scholarship plan is part of OPay’s broader mission to provide financial support to 400 students annually across Nigeria. The programme is expected to span 10 years, benefiting students from both polytechnics and universities.

According to the statement, the inclusion of Kwara State Polytechnic is a testament to the company’s focus on nationwide impact, ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to students across the country, regardless of their geographical location or financial background.

The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Abdul Mohammed, expressed his gratitude for the scholarship program’s introduction to the institution, noting its transformative impact on the students who will benefit.

“We thank OPay for bringing the scholarship to Kwara State Polytechnic as this will have a huge impact on the students being awarded, giving them the motivation to excel in their academics and beyond,” Mohammed said.

It noted that its commitment to supporting education aligns with its broader mission to promote financial inclusion across Nigeria. Established in 2018, the company has become a key player in the Nigerian financial services sector, providing a wide range of payment solutions, including money transfers, bill payments, and merchant services. OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, offering customers a secure and reliable financial platform.

In the coming years, OPay plans to continue expanding its scholarship program, with the ultimate goal of supporting a diverse group of students and fostering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. With the inclusion of Kwara State Polytechnic in its 10-year scholarship plan, OPay is taking a bold step toward creating a future where no student’s dreams are cut short due to financial constraints.

The PUNCH reported that OPay extended its N1.2bn 10-year scholarship initiative to students of the University of Ilorin.