Opay Digital Company Awards N12 Million Scholarship to 40 Ahmadu Bello University Students

In a significant boost to education at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Opay Digital Company has announced a N12 million scholarship grant aimed at supporting 40 underprivileged students. Each beneficiary will receive N300,000 to help alleviate their financial burdens and ensure they continue their studies without hindrance.

Scholarship Disbursement and MoU Signing

The scholarship funds were officially disbursed on Friday, November 8, 2024, during a special ceremony held at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Opay and ABU, solidifying the partnership.

Mr. Dauda Gotring, the Managing Director of Opay, shared that the scholarship program is part of the company’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility. He explained that Opay’s decision to partner with ABU stems from the company’s longstanding relationship with the university, as well as its desire to invest in the educational development of Nigeria’s youth.

“The scholarship is a way for us to give back to society and support young people in their academic pursuits,” Gotring said.

Opay’s Vision and Future Plans

Opay, a Nigerian digital payment and financial services company, has long focused on promoting financial inclusion, particularly for underserved communities. Gotring emphasized that the company’s mission aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s digital financial policies. He also revealed plans to empower women in Zaria through new startup initiatives and income-generating programs aimed at lifting families out of poverty.

University’s Gratitude and Focus on Students’ Success

In his remarks, Professor Kabiru Bala, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, expressed deep appreciation to Opay for their generous support. He noted that the scholarships would greatly assist students who face financial challenges, allowing them to focus on their studies without distraction.

Professor Bala also shared that the university had requested a higher number of scholarship recipients, and he was pleased that Opay had agreed to the increased number of beneficiaries.

“We are proud to partner with Opay and grateful for their continued support,” Bala stated. “This scholarship will ease the financial burden on our students, and we encourage the beneficiaries to use this opportunity wisely to further their academic goals.”

A Rigorous Selection Process

The Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre, Dr. Sa’adatu Muhammad Makarfi, explained that the 40 scholarship recipients were carefully selected from a pool of 959 eligible indigent students. The selection process was thorough, ensuring that the funds would benefit those most in need.

Dr. Makarfi commended Opay for addressing the challenges faced by the most vulnerable students at the university, highlighting the importance of such partnerships in supporting educational access.

Strengthening Community Ties

The ceremony was attended by key university officials, including Deputy Vice-Chancellors Professor Ahmed Doko Ibrahim (Administration) and Professor Raymond Bako (Academic), as well as the Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Sahalu Junaidu. Representatives from Opay, along with legal and administrative staff from the university, were also present.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in ABU’s efforts to enhance the educational experience for its students through collaboration with external organizations. The university is optimistic that this initiative will serve as a model for other companies to follow in their commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting Nigeria’s next generation of leaders.

Looking Ahead

With the scholarship program in place and plans for further initiatives aimed at community empowerment, Opay and ABU are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of students in Zaria and beyond. As both institutions continue to build on this partnership, the future looks brighter for students who may have otherwise been unable to afford higher education.

This partnership between Opay and Ahmadu Bello University is more than just a scholarship—it’s a stepping stone to a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.

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