OPay Pledges ₦10 Million to Kano State Polytechnic, Awards Scholarships to 21 Students

OPay Digital Services Limited has pledged ₦10 million towards the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence, AI, Financial Laboratory at Kano State Polytechnic, KSP, and offered scholarships to 21 students of the institution.

The commitment was announced by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of OPay Digital Services Limited and former Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, CON, OFR, during a national conference organised by the Department of Banking and Finance, Kano State Polytechnic.

The conference was held under the theme, "Leveraging AI in the Financial Sector for Promoting Economic Development in Nigeria."

OPay to Support AI Development at KSP

Delivering the lead paper at the conference, Dr. Shamsuddeen highlighted the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence on the financial sector and the need for institutions to equip students with relevant digital skills.

He explained that OPay makes extensive use of AI in its operations and reportedly processes daily transactions valued at about ₦2.5 trillion.

He stressed that Nigeria would need to expand digital infrastructure, develop skilled talent, strengthen regulatory frameworks and promote financial inclusion to maximise the benefits of Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Shamsuddeen also called on the Kano State Government to consider allocating substantial funding in its budget towards the establishment of a befitting AI Centre at Kano State Polytechnic.

He further pledged to work with the Polytechnic through the Shamsuddeen Usman Foundation, which focuses on Information Technology, to identify areas of collaboration and support in Artificial Intelligence.

In addition to the ₦10 million pledge for the proposed AI Financial Laboratory, OPay also offered scholarships to 21 students of Kano State Polytechnic.

The Polytechnic’s Registrar, Mukhtar Ibrahim Bello, Falakin Kano, expressed appreciation to OPay on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, staff and students, describing the support as a significant contribution towards education, innovation and technological development.

The Rector of Kano State Polytechnic, Dr. Abubakar Umar Farouk, FCA, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Rector, Academic, Dr. Ibrahim Usman Aikawa, commended the Department of Banking and Finance for organising the conference.

He noted that the conference theme was particularly relevant as Artificial Intelligence continues to transform the global financial sector.

He reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s commitment to producing the technical and business manpower required to support economic growth and development.

The Kano State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Ismail Aliyu Danmaraya, also commended the organisers for choosing a timely theme.

Dr. Danmaraya urged participants to contribute actively to the discussions, exchange knowledge and develop innovative solutions capable of supporting sustainable economic development.

He also pledged to present Dr. Shamsuddeen’s request for government intervention in establishing an AI Centre at Kano State Polytechnic to the State Government for consideration.

Banking and Finance Department Highlights AI Opportunities

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Banking and Finance, Malama Asiya Kabir Umar, welcomed guests and participants to the conference.

She explained that the department selected the theme because of its responsibility to prepare graduates for careers as bankers, financial analysts, entrepreneurs, regulators, researchers, policymakers and financial managers.

She also appreciated Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman for accepting the invitation to deliver the lead paper, noting his experience in public finance, economic management and national development.

The conference brought together government representatives, professional bodies, academic institutions, delegates, sponsors and other stakeholders.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Rector, Administration, Dr. Maryam Kabir; Director, School of Management Studies, Mahmoud Datti Yola; Provost, Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, AKCILS, Dr. Ali Tamasi Mu'az; and discussants of the lead paper, Mal. Sulaiman Hashim Rano and Dr. Gazali Ado.