Makurdi, Nigeria – June 11,2025 – Leading Nigerian fintech company, OPay, has unveiled a landmark ₦1.2 billion empowerment initiative targeted at supporting students of Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, in what has been described as a major step toward improving financial inclusion and digital literacy among young Nigerians.
The initiative, announced during a special event held at the university campus, aims to provide students with direct financial support, skill acquisition opportunities, and enhanced access to cashless payment systems. Over 10,000 students are expected to benefit from the programme, which includes grants, training on digital financial services, and access to zero-charge banking services.
According to the Managing Director of OPay Nigeria, Yahui Zhou, the programme is part of the company’s broader commitment to empowering Nigerian youth and strengthening the digital economy.
“This ₦1.2 billion initiative is more than a donation; it is an investment in the future of Nigeria’s youth. We believe that by equipping students with financial tools and knowledge, we are building a more inclusive and innovative economy,” Zhou said.
Representatives of the Benue State Government and the university management lauded OPay’s gesture, describing it as a timely intervention that would ease the economic pressures facing students in the current challenging climate.
The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University, Professor Torbundor Akase, expressed gratitude to the fintech firm, stating that the partnership would go a long way in bridging the gap between education and financial empowerment.
“OPay’s intervention aligns with our commitment to academic excellence and student welfare. This collaboration has the potential to serve as a model for other institutions,” Prof. Akase noted.
Students who attended the launch expressed excitement about the initiative, with many hailing it as the largest financial support scheme ever received by the university community from a private sector organisation.
The programme will be implemented in phases, beginning with the immediate disbursement of stipends to selected students, followed by training sessions on mobile banking, entrepreneurship, and digital finance. Beneficiaries will also gain access to customized OPay debit cards and merchant accounts designed to simplify campus transactions.
This move by OPay further cements its growing reputation as a socially responsible fintech company and reflects a strategic push to deepen market penetration among Nigeria’s youth population, a demographic that represents the country’s fastest-growing digital financial services user base.
The initiative is expected to inspire similar partnerships across Nigerian universities, especially at a time when financial pressure continues to weigh heavily on students due to rising costs of living and educational materials.
