Quality education can change lives, but for many talented students, paying for university remains a major challenge.
To help remove that barrier, Miva Open University has partnered with OPay to launch a scholarship programme that will support students for the next 10 years while also preparing them for careers in technology and innovation.
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A Long-Term Investment in Students
Through this partnership, OPay will fund a ₦60 million scholarship programme that will provide scholarships to 20 Miva Open University students every year for the next decade.
The programme makes Miva the first private open university in Nigeria to partner with OPay on a long-term scholarship initiative of this kind.
Scholarships will be awarded to deserving students based on financial need and the recommendations of the scholarship selection committee. The goal is to ensure that financial challenges do not prevent talented students from earning a university degree.
More Than a Scholarship
While financial support is a key part of the programme, this partnership offers much more than tuition assistance.
Students selected for the programme will have opportunities to build practical skills, gain industry experience, and connect with professionals in Nigeria’s growing technology sector.
One of the highlights of the partnership is the Opay National Innovation Challenge, where students will work on fintech and technology solutions that address real-world problems. This gives participants the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to practical challenges.
Students will also take part in professional development webinars covering topics such as leadership, critical thinking, collaboration, and other skills that employers value.
Building Career Opportunities
Outstanding participants will receive mentorship from industry professionals and gain access to internship opportunities with OPay and its partner organisations.
These experiences are designed to help students develop the confidence, practical knowledge, and professional networks they need to transition successfully from university into the workplace.
By combining education with real industry exposure, the partnership gives students a clearer pathway from learning to employment.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Speaking about the partnership, Sim Shagaya, founder and executive chairman of the uLesson Group and chancellor of Miva Open University, said:
“This is about more than paying school fees. The students will also participate in innovation challenges, receive mentorship, gain access to internship opportunities, and build relationships that can shape the direction of their careers. This is what meaningful private-sector participation in education can look like: not just financial support, but a wider system of opportunity around each student.”
His comments reflect the shared vision behind the partnership: creating opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and preparing students for long-term success.
Expanding Access to Quality Education
At Miva Open University, we believe that education becomes even more impactful when universities and industry work together.
By combining scholarships with innovation challenges, mentorship, internships, and career development opportunities, Miva and OPay are helping more students gain not only access to higher education but also the skills and experiences they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.
This partnership is another step towards creating opportunities for young Nigerians to learn, innovate, and build solutions that will shape the future of technology in Africa.