Apply Now: OPay Expands ₦1.2bn 10-Year Scholarship Programme, Adds Innovation Challenge With Google
Leading fintech company OPay has officially opened applications for the 2026 edition of its flagship scholarship initiative, now rebranded as OPay Scholars, as part of its ₦1.2 billion, 10-year commitment to supporting education in Nigeria.
As part of the expanded programme, OPay has introduced an Innovation Challenge in partnership with Google and OPay Futures, aimed at equipping students with practical digital skills, innovation opportunities, and career pathways.
Applications for the Innovation Challenge will run from May 25 to June 14, 2026, and students from tertiary institutions across Nigeria are encouraged to apply in teams of five via OPay Innovation Challenge Application Portal.
The initiative marks a major shift from traditional scholarship programmes by combining financial support, technical training, innovation development, and career exposure into one platform.
According to OPay, participating teams are expected to identify real-life problems and develop technology-driven solutions. Applicants must also download the Gemini app and initiate basic prompts within the platform as part of the challenge requirements.
The competition offers substantial rewards:
- Grand Prize: ₦10 million
- First Runner-Up: ₦5 million
- Second Runner-Up: ₦3 million
Beyond the prize money, shortlisted participants will gain access to webinars, bootcamps, and industry-focused training sessions designed to build practical skills and prepare students for future career opportunities. Outstanding participants may also access career opportunities through OPay Futures and partner organisations.
Speaking on the initiative, Elizabeth Wang said:
“Education is one of the most powerful tools for change. Through our ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment, OPay has continued to invest in the education and future of young Nigerians.”
She added that the expanded programme is designed to help students thrive in the digital economy through innovation and practical learning.
Also commenting on the partnership, Dotun Adekunle said integrating Google Gemini into the challenge would help students build relevant digital skills and create practical solutions to real-world problems.
Meanwhile, Olumide Balogun noted that Africa’s next wave of innovation will come from young people solving local problems with the right technology tools.
Since its launch, the OPay Scholarship Programme has supported hundreds of students across Nigeria, and the company says the addition of the Innovation Challenge further strengthens its commitment to education, innovation, and youth empowerment.
