OPay-UNIZIK Scholarship: 20 Students Yearly for 10 Years; Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, and OPay have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a 10-year scholarship programme aimed at supporting 20 financially disadvantaged students of the university each year.
Under the agreement, each beneficiary will receive ₦300,000 annually to help cover educational expenses. The scholarship programme is valued at ₦60 million over the 10-year period.
The agreement was announced following a visit by an OPay delegation to the university, during which both parties discussed the scholarship initiative and opportunities for further collaboration in technology, innovation, and student development.
UNIZIK and OPay Scholarship Programme Details
OPay’s Head of Partnership, Mr I. K. Odiase, said the scholarship programme would provide financial assistance to students who need support to continue their education.
The key details of the initiative are as follows:
- Participating institution: Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka.
- Partner organisation: OPay.
- Duration: 10 years.
- Number of beneficiaries: 20 students annually.
- Annual scholarship per beneficiary: ₦300,000.
- Total programme value: ₦60 million over 10 years.
The initiative is designed to ease the financial burden of education for selected students and improve their ability to continue their academic pursuits.
According to Odiase, UNIZIK was selected for the second phase of the programme following feedback received from beneficiaries of an earlier phase.
However, the announcement did not specify the scholarship eligibility requirements, application procedure, or selection timetable.
OPay Expands Scholarship Programme to More Institutions
OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Mr Itoro Udo, disclosed that UNIZIK had become the 26th tertiary institution to partner with the organisation under the initiative.
He added that OPay intended to extend the programme to 41 tertiary institutions by the end of the year.
The expansion reflects the organisation’s efforts to support students across more institutions through its educational initiatives.
OPay Innovation Challenge Involves 48 Universities
During the visit, Udo also provided an update on OPay’s Innovation Challenge, which had involved approximately 48 universities before being narrowed down to 10 teams.
A team from UNIZIK successfully advanced to the boot camp stage of the competition.
According to Udo, the top four teams are expected to present locally developed, technology-driven proposals at the grand finale. The presentations will be made to partners, including Google, 3MTT, Visa, and VERVE.
The challenge is intended to provide a platform for students to develop and showcase innovative solutions driven by technology.
OPay and 3MTT Partnership to Provide Internship and Job Opportunities
Udo also highlighted OPay’s partnership with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, describing it as a pathway for outstanding students to gain practical experience before graduation.
Through the partnership, eligible students may gain access to internship and job-placement opportunities in financial technology and other corporate sectors.
Such opportunities can help students gain workplace experience, develop relevant technical and professional skills, and prepare for employment after completing their studies.
UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor Welcomes OPay Partnership
The Vice-Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Ugochukwu Bond Anyaehie, welcomed the partnership and expressed interest in further collaboration in technology, innovation, and accessibility.
He also mentioned the possibility of installing a lift in a university building to improve accessibility, particularly for persons with disabilities.
The proposal formed part of the broader discussion on opportunities to improve the university environment and support inclusiveness.
The visit concluded with the signing of the memorandum of understanding between UNIZIK and OPay, formalising their agreement on the 10-year scholarship programme.
How to Apply for the UNIZIK-OPay Scholarship
Although UNIZIK and OPay have announced the scholarship partnership, the announcement did not provide an application method, eligibility criteria, or selection timetable.
Interested students should monitor official university communications for further information about the scholarship application process and any requirements that may be announced.
Students are advised to wait for confirmed instructions from the university before submitting applications or providing personal information in connection with the programme.
