In a landmark move poised to redefine educational opportunities in Nigeria, leading fintech giant OPAY has unveiled and committed to a visionary partnership with Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, pledging to award 20 deserving students annual scholarships worth ₦300,000 each over the next decade. This ambitious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, backed by a staggering ₦1.2 billion investment, positions OAU as the third beneficiary institution following similar collaborations with the University of Ibadan and Ahmadu Bello University. 

The historic agreement was sealed during a ceremonious event at OAU, attended by University leaders, faculty dignitaries, and OPAY’s delegation. Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Yomi Daramola, hailed the partnership as “a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s academic future.” In his address, Professor Daramola emphasized the transformative power of the initiative, stating, “This collaboration transcends financial aid—it is an investment in human potential. By alleviating the burden of educational expenses, OPAY is empowering our students to focus on innovation, research, and leadership. OAU remains steadfast in its mission to nurture minds that will drive national development, and partnerships like this accelerate that vision.”

Leading OPAY’s delegation, the Chief Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Justin Zhang, lauded OAU’s legacy as a citadel of excellence. “OPAY is honored to partner with an institution renowned for producing leaders. Education is the cornerstone of sustainable development, and through this CSR initiative, we aim to ignite a ripple effect of progress across Nigeria,” he affirmed. He further emphasized OPAY’s dedication to fostering innovation, stating, “We believe in empowering youth to become architects of Nigeria’s future. These scholarships are not just funds—they are seeds for a brighter tomorrow.”

Professor Ebun Adejuyigbe, Executive Director of the Central Office of Research, in her remarks, underscored the alignment of OPAY’s initiative with OAU’s research-driven ethos. “Education is the bedrock of progress, and this scholarship program will catalyze groundbreaking research. We are confident these beneficiaries will emerge as trailblazers in their fields,” she remarked.

In his separate remarks also, Professor Niran Oluwaranti, Director of Linkages and Partnerships, praised OPAY’s foresight, noting, “Strategic collaborations are vital to bridging academia and industry. OPAY’s commitment reflects a deep understanding of the symbiotic relationship between education and societal advancement.”

Similarly, the Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Deolu Odedire, highlighted the initiative’s immediate impact on student welfare: “Financial constraints often hinder academic excellence. With this support, our scholars can channel their energy into achieving greatness, unburdened by economic challenges.”

The event culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the symbolic presentation of a dummy cheque, met with resounding applause from attendees, including the Students Union President and Secretary. The partnership marks a bold step toward bridging educational gaps and nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of thinkers, innovators, and nation-builders.

As OAU continues to uphold its 64-year legacy of academic distinction, OPAY’s intervention reaffirms the transformative power of corporate-educational synergy. With ₦1.2 billion pledged over ten years, this collaboration stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities when visionary institutions unite for progress.

Launched in 2022, OPAY’s scholarship program has already impacted hundreds of students nationwide. By prioritizing education, the fintech leader continues to demonstrate its commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth, proving that corporate responsibility is not just a duty but a catalyst for enduring change.