OPay Launches 2026 Scholarship and Innovation Challenge With Google

Leading fintech company OPay has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 edition of its flagship scholarship initiative, now rebranded as OPay Scholars, as part of its ₦1.2 billion, 10-year commitment to support education and youth development in Nigeria.

The company also introduced a new Innovation Challenge in partnership with Google and OPay Futures, aimed at equipping students with practical digital skills, innovation opportunities, and career pathways.

Applications for the Innovation Challenge will run from May 25 to June 14, 2026, and students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria are encouraged to apply in teams of five.

According to OPay, the initiative goes beyond traditional scholarship support by combining financial aid, technical training, innovation development, and employment opportunities into one comprehensive programme.

Interested students can apply through [OPay Innovation Challenge Portal]

As part of the challenge, participating teams are expected to identify real-life problems and develop technology-driven solutions to address them.

Applicants must: Apply as a team of five undergraduate students, Be enrolled in any tertiary institution in Nigeria, Download and use the Gemini App, Initiate basic prompts within Gemini as part of the application process

The competition comes with significant cash prizes: Grand Prize — ₦10 million, First Runner-Up — ₦5 million, Second Runner-Up — ₦3 million

Participants will also gain access to webinars and bootcamp sessions focused on practical digital skills, innovation, and industry exposure.

Top-performing participants will further benefit from opportunities through OPay Future, which may open pathways for internships, mentorships, and career opportunities with OPay and its partners.

Speaking on the initiative, Elizabeth Wang said education remains one of the strongest tools for transformation.

She noted that the expanded programme reflects OPay’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians beyond financial assistance

 “Education is one of the most powerful tools for change. Through our ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment, OPay has continued to invest in the education and future of young Nigerians,” she said.

She added that the Innovation Challenge and OPay Futures would help students gain practical skills, innovation exposure, and career opportunities needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.

Also commenting on the partnership with Google, Dotun Adekunle said integrating Google Gemini into the challenge would help students turn ideas into practical solutions.

 “By integrating Google Gemini into the challenge, we are empowering young Nigerians to build relevant digital skills, solve real problems, and prepare for the future of innovation and work,” he stated.

On Google’s side, Olumide Balogun described the initiative as an opportunity to empower young Africans to solve local problems using technology.

 “The most exciting innovations in Africa will come from young people solving local problems, and our role is to make sure they have the right technology to make that happen,” he said.

Since its launch, the OPay Scholarship Programme has supported hundreds of students across Nigeria and continues to expand in reach and impact.

With the addition of the Innovation Challenge and OPay Futures, the fintech company says it is reaffirming its commitment to education, innovation, and youth empowerment.

Students interested in participating can visit OPay Official Website