LASU Partners OPay, Google to Launch ₦1.2 Billion National Innovation Challenge for Students

Lagos State University, through its Centre for the Actualisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (LASU-SDG), has announced the opening of applications for the OPay National Innovation Challenge 2026 in collaboration with OPay Digital Services Limited and Google.

The initiative is part of OPay’s ₦1.2 billion, 10-year student development commitment focused on scholarships, innovation support, and career development opportunities across Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The 2026 edition introduces an expanded Innovation Challenge designed to promote technology-driven solutions among students, alongside the OPay Futures programme aimed at preparing young talents for future employment opportunities within OPay and partner organisations.

According to the announcement, the programme includes a ₦10 million grand prize, ₦5 million for first runner-up, and ₦3 million for second runner-up teams. Selected participants will also gain access to webinars and bootcamps focused on industry-relevant digital and entrepreneurial skills.

The challenge is open to undergraduate students who must apply in teams of five. Each team is expected to identify a real-world problem and present a technology-based solution addressing it. Applicants are also required to have downloaded the Gemini App and completed basic prompt interactions as part of the eligibility criteria.

Applications opened on 25 May 2026 and will close on 14 June 2026. Interested students are expected to apply via the official portal: https://www.opayweb.com/innovation-challenge.

The LASU-SDG Centre encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity, describing it as a platform to strengthen innovation capacity, digital skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Further enquiries are to be directed to the LASU-SDG Office located at the Babatunde Raji Fashola Senate Building, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, or via 07055477887.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to advancing student innovation, digital literacy, and global competitiveness through strategic partnerships.