OPay and Google Launch N1.2bn Scholarship & Innovation Challenge for Nigerian Students
OPay Expands Scholarship Programme to Empower Nigerian Students with Skills and Career Opportunities
OPay has partnered with Google to expand its N1.2 billion scholarship programme by introducing an Innovation Challenge aimed at helping Nigerian students develop practical digital and problem-solving skills.
The programme, now known as OPay Scholars, is part of OPay’s long-term 10-year commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment across Nigeria.
Unlike traditional scholarship programmes that only provide financial assistance, the new initiative combines scholarships, innovation training, career development, and access to future job opportunities.
Applications for the 2026 Innovation Challenge opened on May 25 and will close on June 14, 2026.
What Is the OPay Innovation Challenge?
The Innovation Challenge is designed for students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria who can identify real-life problems and provide technology-driven solutions.
Students are expected to apply as a team of five undergraduate students from any accredited tertiary institution in Nigeria.
Participants will also be introduced to Google Gemini tools to help improve creativity, innovation, and digital skills.
Prize Money for Winners
The competition comes with huge rewards for outstanding teams:
Grand Prize Winner — N10 million
First Runner-Up — N5 million
Second Runner-Up — N3 million
In addition to the cash prizes, selected participants will receive:
Access to webinars and innovation bootcamps
Practical technology and career training
Exposure to industry experts
Opportunities through OPay Futures for possible career placements with OPay and its partners
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for the OPay Scholars Innovation Challenge
Step 1: Form a Team
Applicants must create a team of five undergraduate students from a Nigerian tertiary institution.
Step 2: Identify a Real-Life Problem
Your team should focus on a problem affecting society, students, businesses, healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture, or any other sector.
Step 3: Develop a Technology-Based Solution
Think of how technology can solve the identified problem. Your idea should be practical, creative, and impactful.
Step 4: Download Google Gemini
All applicants are required to download the Gemini application and test basic prompts within the platform before applying.
Step 5: Register Through the Official Portal
Teams should complete their application through the official OPay registration portal before the June 14, 2026, deadline.
You can learn more through OPay Official Website and Google Gemini
Why This Programme Matters for Nigerian Students
Many Nigerian students face financial difficulties, limited access to career opportunities, and inadequate exposure to modern digital tools.
The OPay Scholars Programme aims to bridge that gap by helping students:
Gain practical digital skills
Learn innovation and teamwork
Build problem-solving abilities
Access career opportunities
Receive financial support for education
“Education is one of the most powerful tools for change. With the expansion of the programme in 2026, we are going beyond financial support to equip students with practical skills, innovation opportunities, and career pathways.”- Elizabeth Wang:
Dotun Adekunle also explained that the partnership with Google would help students turn ideas into practical solutions through access to technology tools like Gemini.
Meanwhile, Olumide Balogun stated that Africa’s next major innovations would come from young people solving local challenges using the right technology.
About OPay
OPay was established in 2018 to make financial services more accessible through technology.
The company provides services such as:
Money transfers
Bill payments
Airtime and data purchases
Card services
Merchant payment solutions
OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The expansion of the OPay Scholars Programme is a major opportunity for Nigerian students to gain financial support, digital knowledge, innovation training, and possible career opportunities. Students with creative ideas and a passion for solving problems are encouraged to apply early and take full advantage of this life-changing initiative.
