Fintech company OPay has opened applications for the 2026 edition of its scholarship programme, marking a new phase in its long-term education initiative and introducing a N10 million innovation challenge in partnership with Google.
The programme, now rebranded as “OPay Scholars,” forms part of the company’s N1.2 billion, 10-year commitment to supporting education in Nigeria. Company officials say the latest edition goes beyond tuition support, incorporating technical skills development, innovation training and career pathways for students in tertiary institutions across the country.
According to a statement released by the company, the newly introduced innovation challenge will focus on equipping students with practical digital and problem-solving skills. Participants are expected to develop solutions to real-world challenges, with top entries receiving a share of the N10 million prize pool as well as mentorship opportunities.
A spokesperson for OPay described the initiative as a shift from traditional scholarship models to a more holistic approach. “We are not just funding education; we are investing in future innovators,” the spokesperson said. “The goal is to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry-relevant skills.”
The collaboration with Google is expected to strengthen the programme’s technical component, particularly in areas such as digital literacy, product thinking and emerging technologies. While details of the curriculum have not been fully disclosed, organisers say students will gain exposure to tools and frameworks commonly used in the tech industry.
Education analysts say the expansion reflects a growing trend among private sector players in Nigeria to invest in talent development, particularly in technology-driven fields. With youth unemployment and skills gaps remaining key concerns, initiatives that combine funding with hands-on training are increasingly seen as more impactful.
OPay first launched its scholarship scheme as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, targeting financially disadvantaged but academically promising students. The rebranded OPay Scholars programme is expected to reach a broader pool of beneficiaries, with an emphasis on inclusivity across institutions and disciplines.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open, though the company has not yet disclosed the deadline or the number of students to be selected. Interested applicants are advised to monitor official announcements for detailed eligibility criteria and submission guidelines.
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, programmes like OPay Scholars signal a growing push to prepare students for a more technology-driven future—one where financial support alone may no longer be enough without the skills to match.