A Fintech giant, OPay, has extended the rollout of a N1.2 billion, 10-year national scholarship scheme aimed at empowering Nigerian students through sustained educational support to Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, formerly known as Benue State University (BSU).

The initiative, which targets 400 students annually across 20 tertiary institutions, recently reached the Adasu University, marking the seventh institution to benefit from the programme.

OPay’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr Dauda Gotring, emphasised the strategic nature of the initiative.

“We are proud to support these future leaders at Adasu University. This effort is part of our broader commitment to nation-building through education and empowerment,” he noted.

Itoro Udo, the OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, said as part of the N1.2 billion initiative, OPay awarded N6 million in scholarships to 20 deserving students of the university.

He noted that each beneficiary would receive N300,000 per academic session to cover tuition and related expenses, a move described by both students and university leadership as life-changing.

Udo, while speaking at the formal launch of the scholarship programme during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)-signing ceremony between OPay Digital Services and the university in the institution’s campus in Makurdi, disclosed that the initiative was designed to span a decade.

He noted that the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on indigent but academically outstanding students, particularly in light of rising educational costs following the removal of government subsidies.

“We understand the economic realities and the tough choices many students face. This is why we’re committing N1.2 billion annually over 10 years to ensure that these young Nigerians have a fair shot at success,” Udo said.

At the event, a benefitting 200-level Human Physiology student, Ior Stephen, said the scholarship could not have come at a better time.

“Every semester felt like a race against time and money. But now, I don’t have to worry about school fees anymore because OPay has taken that burden off my mum,” she said, visibly emotional.

Speaking on the impact, the university’s vice chancellor, Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu, described the partnership with OPay as “timely and transformational” as according to him, the scholarship is more than just financial aid because it would help academic stability and institutional growth.

“Many students come to me seeking deferment because they can’t afford to continue. This scholarship is a beacon of hope. Let this not be the end of our collaboration,” Iorapuu said.

OPay’s Chief Security Officer, Dr Vandefan James, pointed out the company’s long-term vision, noting that, “This isn’t just charity. It’s an investment in the future of Nigeria. These students will become change makers.”