At OPay, true success is not defined only by innovation in technology and financial services; it is measured by the positive impact created in society.
This conviction was vividly demonstrated on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Lagos, during the grand event marking OPay’s 10-Year ₦1.2 Billion Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Scholarship Plan, a celebration of commitment to youth empowerment, education, and social development.
OPay proudly marked the completion of the first year of its decade-long CSR journey, a year filled with stories of resilience, excellence, and renewed hope. In the inaugural year, OPay disbursed ₦126 million to 420 students across 20 beneficiary institutions, each receiving ₦300,000 in educational support.
According to a statement by Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah, Special Assistant to the Rector on Media Matters, among the beneficiaries were 20 students of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, who have become proud ambassadors of the institution’s academic excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. This milestone reflects OPay’s determination to expand access to education, unlock opportunities, and empower the next generation of leaders across Nigeria.
Among the distinguished guests was Dr. (Mrs.) Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, who joined 19 other Chief Executives of Nigerian tertiary institutions at the Lagos event. Significantly, Federal Polytechnic Nekede stood out as the only Federal Polytechnic selected as a beneficiary institution under this prestigious CSR scheme, a mark of recognition for the institution’s academic excellence and societal relevance.
Dr. Igbokwe was specially invited to deliver a goodwill message on “The Impact of OPay in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions.” In her address, she commended OPay for its visionary investment in education, describing the initiative as “a strategic intervention that aligns with Nigeria’s developmental priorities and the Federal Government’s youth empowerment agenda.”
She further advocated for a stronger partnership between OPay and Federal Polytechnic Nekede, requesting support for the establishment of a Cyber-Security Laboratory to enhance students’ digital competence.
The Rector also proposed a graduate absorption initiative through which OPay could provide internship and employment opportunities for Nekede-trained graduates, emphasizing that “Federal Polytechnic Nekede remains a reliable source of skilled manpower that sustains many industries across Nigeria.”
Accompanying the Rector to the event were key members of the Polytechnic management and student representatives who personified the institution’s drive for excellence and innovation.
The delegation included Mr. Ugochukwu Stanley Njoku, Registrar of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, and Dr. Paul Saint Christopher, Dean of the Division of Student Affairs. Representing the beneficiary students were Diala Christian Ikedinachukwu (23E/0056/CS), Amandikwa Amarachi Faustina (23AH/0016/MC), and Ogbonna Chiamaka Assumpta (23AH/0063/ST-MB).
These scholars, drawn from various schools and departments, exemplify the institution’s dedication to quality learning, discipline, and creativity. Their selection reaffirms Federal Polytechnic Nekede’s position as a trusted partner in building the nation’s future workforce.
The OPay Empowering Futures Initiative includes several prestigious universities and one state polytechnic, such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Ibadan; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; University of Ilorin; Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin; Federal University of Technology, Minna; Benue State University, Makurdi; University of Calabar; Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; University of Abuja; University of Uyo; Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare; Nasarawa State University, Keffi; University of Maiduguri; University of Jos; Bayero University, Kano; and Lagos State University, Ojo. Since 2024, these institutions have benefitted from OPay’s educational investments aimed at fostering inclusivity, technological literacy, and youth development.
In her second year in office, Dr. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe continues to build bridges between academia and industry, positioning Federal Polytechnic Nekede as a beacon of innovation and a key player in national human-capital development. Her participation in the OPay CSR milestone underscores the institution’s growing profile and its strategic partnerships with corporate leaders who share the vision of empowering the future.
