LASU Partners OPay on ₦1.2bn Scholarship Programme to Support 200 Students Over 10 Years

The Lagos State University (LASU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading fintech company OPay, becoming the latest beneficiary of the firm’s ₦1.2 billion 10-year scholarship programme.

According to a statement from OPay, the agreement was formally signed on Monday at the university’s main campus in Lagos.

Under the partnership, 20 LASU students will receive fully funded scholarships every year as part of OPay’s Empowering Futures Initiative, a long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project designed to support academically outstanding but financially challenged students across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, LASU Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended OPay for its commitment to education and youth empowerment.

> “Today, we celebrate a remarkable act of goodwill and corporate social responsibility from OPay Digital Services Limited,” she said. “This initiative demonstrates OPay’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting the dreams of young Nigerians. It will ease financial pressures and inspire our students to aim higher.”

Professor Olatunji-Bello described the partnership as a reflection of a shared vision between LASU and OPay to empower Nigerian youths through education and innovation.

> “As one of Nigeria’s foremost universities, LASU remains committed to providing quality education and holistic development opportunities. We deeply appreciate OPay’s confidence in our institution and look forward to a rewarding collaboration,” she added.

The university’s Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Fanu, also expressed appreciation to OPay for extending the scholarship to LASU students, noting that the initiative would have a lasting impact.

> “This gesture will transform lives and motivate students to become valuable contributors to society,” he said.

Representing OPay, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Elizabeth Wang, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to building a sustainable future through education.

> “Since our establishment in Nigeria in 2018, our mission has been to promote financial inclusion through technology. But beyond that, we believe education is the bedrock of every society. That’s why OPay is proud to sponsor 20 LASU students annually for the next 10 years to help them achieve their dreams,” Wang stated.

She further revealed that OPay plans to establish Cyberlabs and provide graduate employment opportunities for students within its expanding workforce of over 5,000 employees, deepening its investment in youth development.

The ₦1.2 billion OPay 10-Year Scholarship Programme underscores the company’s broader vision to nurture young talent, enhance educational opportunities, and contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth through consistent CSR initiatives.

Founded to make financial services more accessible through technology, OPay offers a wide range of services including money transfers, bill payments, card services, airtime and data purchase, and merchant payments. The company is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured by the NDIC, providing customers the same protection as traditional commercial banks.