About 20 students of the Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, Edo State, have received N300,000 each, as beneficiaries of the N1.2 billion OPay National Scholarship Initiative for Nigerian undergraduates.

The disbursement was facilitated for the institution by the government of Edo State through the Office of the Special Adviser to the  governor  on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Opay Digital Services said on Thursday that the initiative was to ease the financial burden on indigent students and promote access to quality education.

The initiative, launched earlier in 2025 to support undergraduates across 20 universities, targeted students from low-income families to advance SDG 4, on quality education.

The scholarship programme would run for a period of 10 years.

Speaking on the disbursements, Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo on SDGs, described the initiative as a landmark achievement.

According to her, although the process took some time, the fulfilment of the commitment marked a new dawn for indigent students in AAU, given them hope and support in their academic journey.

“This is more than just the announcement of a grant, it is a proof that our promises are being fulfilled. As we approach one year in office, this achievement stands as one of the milestones in our administration’s commitment to inclusive development,” Ms Suleiman said.

Mr Okpebholo’s aide added that the effort reinforced the state’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

Ms Suleiman expressed the state government’s appreciation to OPay Digital Services for the partnership.

She also lauded Mr Okpebholo for his continued leadership and vision in delivering opportunities to Edo people.

One of the beneficiaries and 100-level Human Anatomy student, Blessing Iyoha, said the payment brought huge relief.

“I am going to use it to pay my school fees and I won’t have to bother my parents too much this semester,” she said.

Another beneficiary and 200-level Biochemistry student, Victory Eshere, noted that the scholarship would support her in many aspects of her academic journey. 

(NAN)