In a landmark move to support education and reduce financial barriers for students, OPay Digital Services Limited has officially extended its ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship scheme to Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma.
The programme will benefit 20 AAU students, who were carefully selected to receive ₦300,000 each per academic session for the duration of their studies. This initiative is part of OPay’s nationwide Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort, targeting 20 Nigerian universities and impacting hundreds of students across the country.
Breakdown of OPay’s ₦1.2 Billion Scholarship Programme
To understand the scale and impact of this scheme, let’s break down the figures:
- Each beneficiary receives: ₦300,000 per academic session
- Number of beneficiaries per institution: 20 students
- Annual allocation per university: ₦6 million (20 × ₦300,000)
- Duration: Up to 10 years
- Total allocation per university: ₦60 million over 10 years
- Number of universities covered: 20 institutions nationwide
- Overall scholarship value: ₦1.2 billion
This structure ensures consistency, transparency, and sustainability in OPay’s scholarship delivery.
Why AAU Students Were Included
According to reports, Ambrose Alli University became the 13th institution to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OPay. The inclusion of AAU is seen as a recognition of Edo State’s push to strengthen higher education, facilitated by the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
University officials praised the gesture, describing it as a timely intervention that will reduce dropout rates, improve access to quality education, and motivate high-performing students from low-income backgrounds.
Beneficiary Experience
Some of the selected AAU students have already expressed joy after being informed by their Heads of Departments (HODs). One beneficiary narrated how she was contacted to submit her credentials and later received official confirmation of her scholarship award.
This transparent selection process highlights the partnership between OPay, AAU management, and departmental heads, ensuring that deserving students truly benefit from the scheme.
Wider Context: OPay’s National Scholarship Rollout
The ₦1.2 billion scholarship programme is not limited to AAU. Other universities that have already benefited include:
- University of Calabar (UNICAL)
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
- Bayero University Kano (BUK)
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Several others across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones
At each institution, OPay presented symbolic cheques worth ₦60 million (the total value for that school over 10 years), reinforcing its commitment to investing in education, youth development, and nation-building.
Implications for Nigerian Education
This scholarship initiative is significant for several reasons:
- Financial Relief: With tuition and living costs rising, ₦300,000 per student annually provides major support.
- Educational Access: More students from disadvantaged backgrounds will be able to complete their studies.
- National Development: By supporting 20 institutions, OPay contributes to Nigeria’s human capital growth.
- Private Sector Role: It underscores how corporate organisations can complement government efforts in education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much will each AAU student receive?
Each selected AAU student will get ₦300,000 per academic session for the duration of their studies.
2. How many AAU students benefited?
20 students from Ambrose Alli University were selected.
3. What is the total value of the OPay scholarship programme?
The programme is worth ₦1.2 billion, spread across 20 institutions over 10 years.
4. Which other schools are included?
Beneficiaries include UNICAL, OOU, BUK, UNN, and more universities nationwide.
5. How were the students selected?
Beneficiaries were nominated and verified through their departments and university management before confirmation.
Conclusion
The extension of OPay’s ₦1.2 billion scholarship programme to Ambrose Alli University represents a transformative opportunity for students in Edo State. By easing financial burdens, the initiative encourages academic excellence, reduces dropouts, and fosters equity in access to higher education.
As more universities join the scheme, OPay continues to set an inspiring example of how private sector investment can reshape the future of education in Nigeria.
