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By peterside Rejoice Eneky
Nigeria’s leading financial technology firm, OPay, has extended its ₦1.2 billion 10-year scholarship initiative to students of Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, making the institution the seventh beneficiary of the nationwide programme aimed at promoting education and youth empowerment.
The extension of the initiative was officially announced during a formal event at the university, where the company reaffirmed its dedication to reducing the financial burdens of students while fostering academic excellence.
Speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of OPay, Dauda Gotring, stated that the scholarship programme aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to empowering young Nigerians through education.
“We are proud to support these future leaders at Benue State University as part of our broader commitment to education and empowerment. Education plays a vital role in nation-building, and this scholarship is our way of helping young Nigerians reach their full potential,” Gotring said.
The N1.2bn scholarship programme, which spans a decade, is tailored to benefit talented students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds across tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It is structured to cover tuition and related academic expenses, allowing recipients to focus fully on their studies.
Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Benue State University, Prof. Tor Iorapuu, lauded the intervention, describing it as a milestone in the institution’s pursuit of inclusive education.
“This generous donation from OPay marks a significant milestone. It provides a crucial safety net, ensuring that students can focus on their education. This contribution will have a lasting impact, empowering students to pursue their academic goals with confidence and stability,” he said.
According to OPay, the scholarship initiative is not limited to financial support but represents a broader mission to invest in the future of Nigeria’s youth, thereby contributing to sustainable national development. The beneficiaries, the company noted, symbolize the hopes and aspirations of their families and communities.
Since its launch, the scholarship programme has been successfully implemented in six other universities across Nigeria, with OPay pledging to extend the scheme to more institutions in the coming years.
The initiative, part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, reinforces OPay’s position not just as a financial services provider, but also as a stakeholder in the educational advancement of the country.
Earlier this year, OPay announced the rollout of the same initiative at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, as part of the first phase of the nationwide scholarship scheme.
As the programme continues to expand, OPay has assured that students from various geopolitical zones across the country will be given equal opportunities to benefit, fostering national integration and equal access to quality education.
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