OPay adds UNICAL to its N1.2bn scholarship drive, boosting student support and academic access.
The fintech firm says quality education is key to growth, equity, and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
OPay, a prominent Nigerian fintech company, has announced the inclusion of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) in its ongoing N1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship program. The initiative, which aims to ease financial burdens for students across the country, now counts UNICAL as the eighth beneficiary.
The announcement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony at UNICAL, which drew participation from OPay executives, university leadership, and student representatives. This move further strengthens OPay commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through education.
UNICAL’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, lauded the development, describing it as a welcome boost for the university’s student population. OPay generosity is deeply appreciated. This scholarship program, in addition to existing student support systems, will not only alleviate financial challenges but also motivate our students to strive for academic excellence,” she said.
OPay Head of Partnerships, Mr. IK Odiase, emphasized the broader goal of the initiative during his remarks at the ceremony. He noted that education is critical to driving national development and innovation. “We are honored to partner with the University of Calabar on this impactful journey. Education is the cornerstone of nation-building, and we remain committed to supporting students across Nigeria in their quest for success,” he stated.
Also present at the event were key figures from both OPay and UNICAL, including UNICAL Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrar, and heads of departments. From OPay, attendees included Marketing Manager Mrs. Rhenua Adebo, CSR Manager Mr. Itoro Udo, and Mr. Odiase.
The scholarship scheme provides financial assistance to selected students, helping to reduce the cost burden of higher education for families and enabling beneficiaries to focus fully on their studies. It reflects OPay’s wider belief that long-term societal change begins with accessible and quality education.
Before this, OPay had already launched the program in seven other Nigerian universities, including Benue State University, with the same objective of promoting educational equity and youth development. Each phase of the rollout builds on the company’s broader goal of nurturing local talent and fostering inclusive growth through strategic partnerships with academic institutions.
More than just a financial aid plan, the scholarship initiative represents hope for many families navigating the rising costs of tertiary education in Nigeria. For communities where students often drop out due to financial constraints, the support provided by OPay stands to make a transformative impact.
The partnership with UNICAL not only solidifies OPay growing footprint in Nigeria’s education landscape but also demonstrates the brand’s proactive approach to corporate social responsibility. With each university added, the program continues to build momentum and inspires a vision of a more informed, skilled, and empowered Nigerian youth.
Established in 2018, OPay has grown into a major player in Nigeria’s digital finance ecosystem. Its services range from money transfers and bill payments to airtime top-ups, card services, and merchant solutions. Known for its speed, reliability, and wide accessibility, the platform is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), offering the same protections as commercial banks.
As OPay extends its scholarship scheme to more universities across Nigeria, it reinforces the notion that bridging the education gap is essential for long-term national development. The financial institution’s investment in student futures illustrates a genuine commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable society, one campus at a time.
