FIC Report (Ebonyi State) – A leading African fintech firm, OPay, has awarded scholarships to 20 indigent students of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), Ebonyi State, in a move aimed at expanding access to quality education.
The scholarship initiative was facilitated by Nkemkanma Kama, the member representing Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, to benefit students from his constituency studying at the institution.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between OPay and the university, the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Itoro Udo, disclosed that the programme would run for 10 years, with each beneficiary receiving an annual grant of ₦300,000 until graduation.
Udo explained that the initiative goes beyond financial support, incorporating an innovation challenge designed to equip students with technology-driven problem-solving skills and enable them to compete with peers from other institutions nationwide.
He added that the company has partnered with global technology firms to deliver the innovation programme, which will expose students to advanced digital tools and platforms.
Also speaking, Hon. Kama said the scholarship was attracted to boost educational opportunities in his constituency, noting that Ebonyi State had previously not benefited from the company’s corporate social responsibility programmes.
We engaged OPay and made a strong case for inclusion, and today, 20 students from my constituency will benefit annually from this scholarship scheme,” he said.
He noted that the programme is renewable yearly, ensuring that new beneficiaries are added over the 10-year period.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of AE-FUNAI, Daniel Nwachukwu, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward supporting indigent students.
Nwachukwu assured the institution’s commitment to the success of the programme and praised the lawmaker for his efforts in attracting developmental opportunities to the constituency.
BAKARE LAURETTA
HOC FIC ABAKALIKI
24/4/2026
