OPay and Federal Polytechnic Nekede sign Historic ₦1.2 Billion Scholarship MoU to Empower a Decade of Student Excellence
In a defining moment for institutional advancement and student empowerment, the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Mrs. Basilia Nkemdilim Igbokwe, has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Africa’s trailblazing digital fintech powerhouse, OPay. The landmark agreement, sealed on Thursday, June 26, 2025, launches a ₦1.2 billion scholarship fund that promises to uplift generations of students over the next ten years.
The high-powered delegation from OPay was received with great warmth and ceremony by the Rector, who was flanked by principal officers and enthusiastic members of the Polytechnic community. In her welcome address, Dr. Igbokwe lauded the partnership as “a bold and timely intervention that aligns seamlessly with our administration’s commitment to meaningful, student-focused progress.” She reaffirmed her administration’s determination to fostering corporate partnership that deliver tangible benefits beyond the classroom.
At the heart of the collaboration is a ₦300,000 annual scholarship for 20 deserving students of the Polytechnic—an initiative that will run uninterrupted for a decade. Dr. Igbokwe expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “This engagement will serve as a springboard for deeper collaborations in areas such as technological support, language development, and industry-based training as pillars for shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
In his remarks, Mr. Ikponmwosa Odiase, Head of Partnerships at OPay, emphasized the strategic importance of the scholarship as part of the firm’s long-term Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) blueprint. He pledged OPay’s readiness to deepen the engagement in areas such as tech incubation, digital literacy, and vocational excellence, further affirming the fintech giant’s role in sculpting the future of education in Nigeria.
Mr. Odiase also underscored the imperative of identifying eligible beneficiaries transparently and efficiently, to ensure proper documentation and robust media visibility—hallmarks of OPay’s operational integrity and accountability.
In an insightful contribution, Dr. Charles Obichere, the Polytechnic Librarian, hailed the collaboration as a “watershed moment” in the institution’s journey toward academic-industrial synergy. He called on both parties to expand the frontiers of this partnership, ensuring that its impact reverberates far beyond scholarships.
The event reached its crescendo with the ceremonial signing of the MoU, symbolizing not just a financial investment, but a bold commitment to human capital development, an inclusive opportunity for all, and an attempt at educational transformation.
A release from Noble Uchegbu Uchechukwu Zachariah, media aide to the Rector says, the Rector, Dr. Igbokwe, extended heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Christopher Saint Paul, Dean of Student Affairs, whose strategic acumen and tireless diplomacy were instrumental in actualizing the deal. She reiterated that under her watch, the Polytechnic remains committed to building bridges with innovative industry leaders whose values align with the institution’s progressive mission.
As the sun sets on this memorable day, it is clear that the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, guided by Dr. Igbokwe’s enlightened stewardship, is not only redefining the future of polytechnic education but also doing so on a foundation of global relevance, industry collaboration, hub of technological excellence whilst nurturing future leaders with an unparalleled student focus.