OPay Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide On How to Apply

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If you are a Nigerian undergraduate student struggling to keep up with school fees and educational expenses, the OPay Scholarship Program is one of the most accessible and genuinely impactful financial aid opportunities available to you right now. OPay, one of Nigeria’s leading fintech companies, has committed N1.2 billion over ten years to support talented but financially disadvantaged students across 20 public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The program is already in motion, with over 420 students receiving scholarship awards in the first year alone.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the OPay Scholarship, including the full eligibility requirements, the scholarship amount, the complete list of participating universities, a step-by-step guide on how to apply, what the selection process looks like, and practical tips to help your application stand out. Whether you have heard about this scholarship before or are just discovering it for the first time, this article will give you a clear picture of what it offers and how to access it.

What Is the OPay Scholarship Program?

The OPay University Scholarship Program is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative launched by OPay Nigeria to provide financial support to undergraduate students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. The program is designed to address the financial barriers that prevent many talented and hardworking students from pursuing or completing their higher education.

The scholarship was formally launched in 2022, with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria being the first institution to benefit. Since then, the program has expanded significantly, and as of 2025, OPay has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 20 tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The scheme provides N300,000 per academic session to each selected student, and it has a clearly stated ten-year commitment, meaning it is not a one-off initiative. OPay intends to support Nigerian students consistently over the next decade.

The program received significant public attention in November 2025 when OPay held its “Empowering Futures Forum 2025” conference in Lagos, where the company formally announced that it had disbursed N126 million to 420 students in the first year of the scholarship scheme. The event also marked the signing of partnership agreements with participating universities and the announcement of plans to expand the program’s reach further.

According to Elizabeth Wang, OPay’s Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer, the initiative reflects the company’s belief that technology must serve human progress. She stated that OPay’s mission goes beyond financial services and that investing in education is one of the most meaningful ways the company can contribute to Nigeria’s future. MD and CEO Dauda Gotring echoed this sentiment, emphasizing OPay’s pride in supporting what he called “tomorrow’s innovators and leaders.”

How Much Is the OPay Scholarship Worth?

Each scholarship recipient receives N300,000 per academic session. This amount is intended to cover tuition fees and other educational expenses such as accommodation costs, study materials, and general living costs while in school.

The scholarship is renewable for a second academic session, provided the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria and maintains the required academic performance. This means that a student who is selected and performs well could receive up to N600,000 in total financial support across two academic sessions.

Beyond the cash award, OPay is also investing in infrastructure at some of the beneficiary institutions. For example, the company announced plans to build a cyber lab at the University of Calabar, providing students with hands-on exposure to digital technologies. A N10 million grant was also made to Obafemi Awolowo University for its award of excellence programme. These initiatives signal that OPay’s commitment to education extends beyond direct financial support to students.

Who Is OPay?

OPay, formally known as OPay Digital Services Limited and formerly called Paycom Nigeria Limited, is a fintech mobile money company with headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. It was founded by Zhou Yahui in 2013 and obtained its Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) license in 2018. The company is also insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), which means it operates under the same regulatory framework as conventional commercial banks.

OPay is one of the four largest fintech companies in Nigeria, alongside Moniepoint, Kuda, and PalmPay. It operates as a one-stop financial services platform that allows users to make payments, transfers, savings, and airtime and data purchases, all from a single app. OPay also provides POS services for agents and acquiring services for merchants, and it boasts tens of millions of users, agents, and merchants across Nigeria. The company has also expanded to Egypt, where it received approval from the Central Bank of Egypt.

The OPay Scholarship Program sits within OPay’s broader CSR strategy, which is guided by the company’s stated goal of becoming Nigeria’s most respected and socially responsible fintech company. The scholarship is one of the most visible ways the company has demonstrated this commitment in recent years.

OPay Scholarship Eligibility Requirements 2026

The OPay Scholarship Program has clear and specific eligibility requirements. Before you invest time in completing an application, check carefully that you meet all of the criteria below, because applications that do not meet the requirements are disqualified during the initial screening stage.

Institution of Study

You must be a currently registered student at one of the 20 participating public tertiary institutions. OPay only accepts applications from students enrolled at its partner institutions. If your school is not on the list, you are not currently eligible, although OPay has stated its intention to expand to more institutions over the course of the ten-year programme.

Level of Study

The scholarship is open to undergraduate students of any level. However, applicants must have completed their second semester 200 level examinations. This means that 100 level students and those who have not yet completed their second semester at 200 level are not yet eligible. Students at 300 level and above are eligible as long as they meet the other criteria.

Academic Performance

You must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 out of 5, which is equivalent to a Second Class Upper degree classification in Nigerian universities. For students in colleges or polytechnics, the minimum CGPA required is 2.8 out of 4, which is equivalent to a Credit classification. Your academic transcript will be one of the primary documents assessed during the evaluation stage, so ensuring it accurately reflects your performance is important.

Financial Need

The OPay Scholarship Program gives preference to students who can demonstrate significant financial hardship. This is a need-based scholarship with an academic component, not a pure merit scholarship. Students who have strong academic records but also come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds are the ideal candidates the program is designed to support. If you can document evidence of financial hardship, make sure to include this clearly in your application.

Active OPay Account

Applicants must have an active OPay account. This is a mandatory requirement. If you do not already have an OPay account, you will need to download the OPay app and register before you can apply. The account verification is part of the application process, and applicants who do not have an active account will not be eligible to complete their application.

Course of Study

The scholarship is open to students from all departments and all courses of study at participating institutions. There is no restriction based on faculty or discipline. Whether you are studying engineering, law, medicine, education, arts, social sciences, agriculture, or any other course at a participating university, you are eligible to apply.

Full List of OPay Scholarship Participating Universities 2026

As of 2026, the following 20 public tertiary institutions have been confirmed as participating partners in the OPay Scholarship Program. Students at these institutions are eligible to apply:

• Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria
• University of Ibadan (UI)
• Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife
• Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA)
• University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)
• Kwara State University (KWASU)
• University of Abuja (UNIABUJA)
• Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare
• University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)
• University of Calabar (UNICAL)
• University of Uyo (UNIUYO)
• Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
• Federal Polytechnic, Nekede
• Lagos State University (LASU)
• Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)
• Benue State University (BSU)
• Bayero University Kano (BUK)
• Nasarawa State University (NSUK)
• University of Jos (UNIJOS)

This list covers all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, reflecting OPay’s commitment to ensuring that students from every part of the country have access to the scholarship. OPay has also publicly committed to expanding the program beyond these 20 institutions in future years.

It is worth noting that in mid-2025, OPay also partnered specifically with Olabisi Onabanjo University to launch a separate N1.2 billion ten-year scholarship arrangement that benefits 20 students annually with N300,000 each, making OOU one of the most actively supported institutions in the program. This shows that OPay’s commitment to some institutions goes even deeper than the general program structure.

How Many Students Receive the OPay Scholarship Each Year?

Across the 20 participating institutions, a total of approximately 400 to 420 students receive the scholarship per academic session. The number of recipients per institution varies. At some universities, 40 students are selected per session, while at others, 20 students are selected. The total allocation per school depends on the specific terms of the MoU signed between OPay and that institution.

The selection process at each institution is handled by a joint panel made up of five staff members from the institution and two representatives from OPay. This joint committee reviews all applications, assesses academic records and financial need documentation, and makes the final selection of recipients.

What Does the OPay Scholarship Cover?

The N300,000 award is a cash scholarship paid directly to recipients. It is intended to cover the cost of tuition fees and other educational expenses during the academic session. There is no restriction on how the money is used as long as it goes toward educational and living costs related to your studies. Many recipients have used the award to pay school fees, purchase textbooks and study materials, cover accommodation costs, and fund internship-related travel and other professional development activities.

The scholarship is not a loan. It does not need to be repaid. It is a direct cash award to support your academic journey.

How to Apply for the OPay Scholarship 2026

The application process for the OPay Scholarship is managed through OPay’s official scholarship portal and is typically opened on a rolling basis as each partnering institution comes up in the schedule. Applications for different universities tend to open at different times throughout the year, so you need to check your institution’s announcement channels and the OPay website regularly to know when the application window opens for your school.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

Step 1: Confirm Your University Is Participating

Before anything else, confirm that your university is one of the 20 participating institutions. If it is not on the list, the scholarship is currently not available to you, but you should monitor the OPay website for updates as new institutions are added.

Step 2: Create or Log Into Your OPay Account

You must have an active OPay account to apply. If you do not have one yet, download the OPay app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, complete the registration process, and verify your account. Make sure your account is fully active before the application window opens for your school, because some application forms require your OPay account details for verification.

Step 3: Gather Your Required Documents

Before completing the application form, prepare the following documents in advance:

• A recent official academic transcript showing your CGPA
• A valid school identification card or student registration slip
• Proof of financial hardship (this could include a letter from a parent or guardian explaining the family’s financial situation, evidence of income, or any other documentation that demonstrates your financial need)
• A well-written personal statement explaining your academic journey, career goals, and why you deserve the scholarship
• Letters of recommendation from a lecturer, professor, employer, or community leader who can speak to your character and academic potential
• A passport photograph
• Any other documents specified in the application form for your institution

Step 4: Access the Application Form

When the application window opens for your institution, visit the official OPay Scholarship portal on the OPay website to access the application form. Read all instructions on the form carefully before filling it in. Some forms may also be available through your institution’s student affairs office or financial aid office.

Step 5: Complete and Submit the Application

Fill in all sections of the application form accurately and completely. Pay particular attention to the sections asking about your CGPA, course of study, financial background, and career goals. Upload all required documents in the formats specified. Review everything carefully before submitting. Once submitted, most applications cannot be edited, so make sure all information is correct before you hit the submit button.

Step 6: Wait for Screening and Selection

After the application window closes, the joint selection panel made up of university staff and OPay representatives reviews all submitted applications. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview or asked to provide additional documentation. Final recipients are selected based on overall merit, taking into account both academic performance and demonstrated financial need. Successful applicants are notified directly, and the scholarship disbursement is made to their accounts shortly after selection.

To apply now or check the current application status for your institution, visit the official OPay Scholarship application page.

The OPay Scholarship Selection Process Explained

Understanding the selection process will help you prepare a stronger application. Here is how it works in detail:

Initial Screening

All submitted applications go through an initial screening to check for eligibility and completeness. Applications that are missing required documents, fail to meet the minimum CGPA requirement, or come from students who do not have an active OPay account are filtered out at this stage. This is why completing every section of the application accurately and attaching all required documents is so important.

Academic Evaluation

Applications that pass the initial screening go through an academic evaluation stage. The panel reviews your official academic transcript to verify your CGPA and assess your overall academic performance. Consistency in academic performance across semesters is looked at favorably, as it demonstrates sustained effort rather than a single strong performance.

Financial Need Assessment

Because the program prioritizes students with demonstrated financial hardship, your documentation of financial need is assessed carefully at this stage. Be honest and thorough in presenting your financial situation. The panel is looking for students who genuinely need support, not just those with the highest CGPA scores.

Personal Statement Review

Your personal statement is read closely during the evaluation process. A well-written personal statement that clearly explains your academic story, your financial challenges, your career aspirations, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals can make a significant difference in the decision-making process, especially when two candidates have similar academic and financial profiles.

Final Selection

The joint panel of five institutional staff members and two OPay representatives makes the final selection based on the complete picture of each candidate. Final recipients are those who demonstrate the strongest combination of academic merit, financial need, and potential for impact. The total number of recipients per institution is fixed based on the MoU terms, so competition for the available slots can be strong at larger universities.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning the OPay Scholarship

Here are practical, specific tips that will help you put together the strongest possible application:

Apply as Early as Possible

When the application window opens for your institution, do not wait until the last few days to apply. Applying early ensures that your application receives full consideration and that you have enough time to fix any issues if documents are missing or incorrectly formatted. Late or rushed applications are more likely to contain errors that can lead to disqualification.

Write a Genuine and Specific Personal Statement

Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application. Do not write a generic statement that could apply to any scholarship anywhere. Instead, tell your own story. Explain specifically what financial challenges your family has faced, how those challenges have affected your studies, what your career goals are, and why this scholarship matters to you personally. Reviewers can tell the difference between a genuine statement and a template, and a genuine story is always more compelling.

Document Your Financial Hardship Clearly

The OPay Scholarship explicitly gives preference to students who can demonstrate financial need. Do not assume the panel will guess or infer your financial situation from general descriptions. Provide clear, specific documentation. This could include a letter from your parent or guardian describing the family’s financial situation, information about how many dependents your household supports, evidence of any previous financial challenges with paying school fees, and any other relevant documentation that makes your financial need concrete and verifiable.

Get Strong Recommendation Letters

A recommendation letter from a lecturer or professor who knows your work well and can speak specifically about your academic potential and personal character is far more effective than a generic letter. Ask your recommender to include specific examples of your academic contributions, your commitment to your studies, and any leadership or community work you have done. Give your recommender enough time to write a thoughtful letter rather than asking at the last minute.

Maintain a Strong and Active OPay Account

Since having an active OPay account is a mandatory requirement, make sure your account is verified and in good standing well before you apply. An account that is newly created right before the application deadline may raise questions. Use your OPay account regularly for your day-to-day transactions so that it is clearly active when your application is reviewed.

Check Your Transcript for Accuracy

Before submitting your application, collect your official academic transcript from your institution’s registrar or examination office and review it carefully. Confirm that your CGPA is accurately recorded and that all your semester results are included. Any discrepancy between your stated CGPA in the application form and the transcript you submit will likely result in disqualification.

Real Stories: How the OPay Scholarship Has Changed Lives

One of the most moving aspects of the OPay Scholarship Program is the real impact it has had on individual students. At the Empowering Futures Forum 2025, one beneficiary, Ousmane Aliu, shared his experience publicly. He came from a family of ten children and described how his mother alone had been carrying the burden of all their educations. He said that paying school fees had become nearly impossible, and that the OPay scholarship lifted a weight he could not have continued to carry alone.