Opay Awards Scholarships to ABU Indigent Students

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has received a scholarship grant worth N12 million from Opay Digital Company.

The grant will benefit 40 indigent students, with each receiving N300,000 to support their education.

Scholarship Disbursement and MoU Signing

The disbursement of the scholarships took place in the Vice-Chancellor’s office on Friday, 8th November 2024.

The event included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ahmadu Bello University and Opay Digital Company.

The Managing Director of Opay, Mr Dauda Gotring, explained that the scholarship programme is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

Mr Gotring stated that this initiative serves as a way to give back to society and support education.

He revealed that Opay has a special connection with ABU, which influenced the decision to select 40 students from the university for the programme.

Company’s Vision and Additional Support

The Managing Director described Opay as a brand deeply rooted in Nigeria, focused on promoting financial inclusion.

He shared that the company targets small end users and aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s digital policy.

He also announced plans to empower women in Zaria through startup programmes and other income-generating opportunities.

Mr Gotring expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and university management for their support and warm reception.

University Management’s Response

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kabiru Bala, expressed appreciation to Opay on behalf of the university.

Professor Bala highlighted the impact of the scholarship in addressing the financial needs of the beneficiaries.

He shared that the university had earlier requested Opay to increase the number of beneficiaries, and he was pleased the request was granted.

He also welcomed the planned women empowerment initiative and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting the host community.

Professor Bala urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to enhance their academic journey.

Screening Process for Beneficiaries

The Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre, Dr Sa’adatu Muhammad Makarfi, shared details of the selection process.

Dr Makarfi disclosed that out of 959 indigent students identified by the university, 40 were selected after a thorough screening process.

She commended Opay for addressing the needs of the most vulnerable students.

Attendance at the Event

The signing ceremony was attended by senior university officials and representatives from Opay.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Professor Ahmed Doko Ibrahim (Administration) and Professor Raymond Bako (Academic), were present.

The Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Sahalu Junaidu, and the Director of Public Affairs, Malam Auwalu Umar, also witnessed the event.

Other attendees included the Director of ICERFE, Dr Idris Bashir Bugaje, and legal representatives of the university.

Staff from the Counselling and Human Development Centre, including Dr Sa’adatu Atiku, were also in attendance.

The event marked a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to support its students through external partnerships.