OPay, one of Nigeria's leading financial institutions, has extended its 10-year scholarship initiative to Kwara State Polytechnic, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to advancing education nationwide.

According to a statement shared with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the partnership will grant 20 outstanding students scholarships worth ?300,000 each. Kwara State Polytechnic becomes the first polytechnic to join OPay's ?1.2 billion 10-Year Scholarship Programme.

The initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures on tertiary students while empowering the next generation of leaders through academic and personal development resources.

OPay's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dauda Gotring, highlighted the company's dedication to investing in Nigeria's youth, stating: "This expansion underscores our belief in nurturing talent and fostering equitable access to quality education."

"Our scholarship support is to ensure that the dreams of talented scholars do not die," Gotring said. "Through this 10-year scholarship program, we're not just easing the financial stress of today's students, we are empowering a generation that will drive innovation and progress."

It added that the N1.2bn scholarship plan is part of OPay's broader mission to provide financial support to 400 students annually across Nigeria. The programme is expected to span 10 years, benefiting students from both polytechnics and universities.

According to the statement, the inclusion of Kwara State Polytechnic is a testament to the company's focus on nationwide impact, ensuring that educational opportunities are accessible to students across the country, regardless of their geographical location or financial background.

The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Abdul Mohammed, expressed his gratitude for the scholarship program's introduction to the institution, noting its transformative impact on the students who will benefit.

"We thank OPay for bringing the scholarship to Kwara State Polytechnic as this will have a huge impact on the students being awarded, giving them the motivation to excel in their academics and beyond," Mohammed said.

It noted that its commitment to supporting education aligns with its broader mission to promote financial inclusion across Nigeria. Established in 2018, the company has become a key player in the Nigerian financial services sector, providing a wide range of payment solutions, including money transfers, bill payments, and merchant services. OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, offering customers a secure and reliable financial platform.

In the coming years, OPay plans to continue expanding its scholarship program, with the ultimate goal of supporting a diverse group of students and fostering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers. With the inclusion of Kwara State Polytechnic in its 10-year scholarship plan, OPay is taking a bold step toward creating a future where no student's dreams are cut short due to financial constraints.

The PUNCH reported that OPay extended its N1.2bn 10-year scholarship initiative to students of the University of Ilorin.