OPay Scholarship Brings Hope to Benue State University Students

When 21-year-old Esther Iveren received news that she had been selected as a beneficiary of the OPay scholarship scheme at Benue State University (BSU), she could hardly believe her luck. For the third-year sociology student, whose family has struggled to make ends meet since her father lost his job, the scholarship wasn’t just a financial boost—it was a lifeline.

“I cried when I saw the list,” she said, smiling through tears. “I can now finish school without worrying about how to pay for my exams or textbooks.”

Esther is one of several students at BSU who recently benefited from the latest phase of OPay’s ₦1.2 billion scholarship initiative—an ambitious 10-year educational empowerment programme aimed at supporting promising Nigerian youths. With Benue State University becoming the seventh institution to join the list of beneficiaries, OPay has once again demonstrated its commitment to investing in the next generation.

The fintech giant has already disbursed ₦6 million to BSU students as part of the first round of funding. This contribution, though modest in the grand scale of the company’s nationwide project, has made a profound difference in the lives of students who previously faced an uncertain academic future due to financial constraints.

“This is a game-changer,” said Professor Tor Joe Iorapuu, Vice Chancellor of Benue State University. “Many of our students are brilliant but financially handicapped. What OPay has done is not just philanthropy; it’s a long-term investment in Nigeria’s intellectual and economic future.”

He explained that the scholarship would provide recipients with the stability needed to focus entirely on their studies—free from the constant pressure of tuition fees and other educational costs.

Since its inception, the OPay scholarship initiative has targeted tertiary institutions across Nigeria, focusing on regions and communities where financial support for students is urgently needed. The programme is part of OPay’s broader corporate social responsibility vision, which prioritises inclusive development through education, technology, and financial empowerment.

For students like Esther, the scholarship represents more than financial relief—it is a vote of confidence in their dreams and aspirations.

“Now, I don’t have to think about dropping out,” she said. “I can concentrate on becoming the social worker I’ve always wanted to be.”

As the programme expands, it continues to change narratives in university communities—one student at a time. And for Benue State University, the partnership with OPay is a timely reminder that even in challenging times, meaningful support can create ripples of hope and progress.