How to Apply for the OPay Scholarship for Polytechnic Students in Nigeria

The OPay Scholarship Program, part of a ₦1.2 billion 10-year initiative, has recently expanded to include polytechnic students, with Kwara State Polytechnic being the first to benefit. While specific application procedures for polytechnic students are not fully detailed in public announcements, the following guide outlines the general process based on available information from OPay’s scholarship program for tertiary institutions, including universities, and insights from the Kwara State Polytechnic implementation.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the OPay Scholarship for polytechnic students, applicants typically must meet the following requirements:

1. Institution of Study: Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at a participating polytechnic (e.g., Kwara State Polytechnic). The program is expanding to other polytechnics, so check with your institution for inclusion.
2. Course of Study: Open to students from all departments within the polytechnic.
3. Level of Study: Available to undergraduate students at any level (e.g., ND or HND).
4. OPay Account: Applicants must have an active OPay account, as this is a consistent requirement across OPay’s scholarship initiatives.
5. Academic Performance: While specific CGPA requirements are not explicitly stated for polytechnics, OPay emphasizes “outstanding” or “deserving” students, suggesting a focus on academic excellence or financial need. For reference, university applicants (e.g., at Ahmadu Bello University) are often shortlisted based on academic merit, so a strong academic record may be advantageous.
6. Other Considerations: The scholarship aims to support students facing financial challenges, so evidence of financial need may be considered during selection.

Steps to Apply

Since OPay’s scholarship application process for polytechnics is managed in collaboration with the institutions, the steps below are derived from the general process for OPay’s tertiary scholarship program and specific details from Kwara State Polytechnic:

1. Monitor Announcements from Your Polytechnic:

• OPay collaborates directly with polytechnics to administer the scholarship. Check your institution’s official website, notice boards, or student affairs office for announcements about the OPay Scholarship.
• For example, Kwara State Polytechnic’s scholarship was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 16, 2025, and beneficiaries were selected following institutional processes.
• Contact your polytechnic’s scholarship office or student union (e.g., NAPS representatives) for updates on whether your institution is included in the program.

1. Ensure You Have an Active OPay Account:

• Download the OPay app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and create an account if you don’t already have one.
• Verify your account with your BVN and other required details to ensure it is active, as this is a mandatory requirement for applicants.
• If you need assistance, visit an OPay agent or contact OPay’s customer service via the in-app support or hotline (0700 8888 328).

1. Prepare Required Documents:

• While specific document requirements for polytechnic applications are not publicly detailed, based on similar programs (e.g., OPay’s university scholarships), you may need:
  • Proof of enrollment (e.g., admission letter or student ID).
  • Academic records (e.g., transcript or result slip showing CGPA).
  • Evidence of financial need (e.g., a letter explaining your financial situation, if applicable).
  • Personal identification (e.g., NIN or voter’s card).
  • OPay account details (linked to your phone number).
• Check with your polytechnic for any additional documents, such as a scholarship application form or recommendation letter.

1. Submit Application Through Your Polytechnic:

• Unlike some scholarships with centralized online portals, OPay’s scholarship for polytechnic students appears to be administered through the institution. For instance, at Kwara State Polytechnic, 20 students were selected through a process coordinated by the institution, likely involving a screening or nomination process.
• Visit your polytechnic’s scholarship office or designated department to obtain and submit the application form or follow any announced procedures (e.g., online submission via the institution’s portal or physical submission).
• Ensure you meet any deadlines set by your institution, as these are not standardized across polytechnics.

1. Undergo Screening and Selection:

• OPay’s scholarship selection involves a screening process to identify deserving students. This may include reviewing academic performance, financial need, or other criteria set by the polytechnic and OPay.
• For example, at Ahmadu Bello University, 40 students were shortlisted after meeting requirements and undergoing screening, suggesting a similar process for polytechnics.
• Be prepared for possible interviews or additional verification steps.

1. Await Notification:

• Successful applicants will be notified by their polytechnic or OPay. For instance, Kwara State Polytechnic beneficiaries were announced following the MoU signing, and students like Abdullahi Kaosara Ajoke and Onifade Abidemi Rebecca were informed of their awards.
• Ensure your contact details (phone number and email) are up-to-date for communication.

Additional Tips

• Stay Informed: Follow OPay’s official social media channels (@OPay_NG on X) or visit www.opayweb.com for updates on the scholarship program. Institutions like Kwara State Polytechnic were announced via OPay’s official channels.
• Engage with NAPS: The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) played a key role in advocating for polytechnic inclusion in the scholarship. Contact your local NAPS chapter for guidance or updates on application opportunities at other polytechnics.
• Act Quickly: Scholarship opportunities are competitive, and slots are limited (e.g., 20 students per polytechnic). Submit your application as soon as your institution announces the program.

Current Status and Future Opportunities

As of April 27, 2025, Kwara State Polytechnic is the only polytechnic confirmed to have received the OPay Scholarship, with 20 students awarded ₦300,000 each. OPay has indicated plans to include more polytechnics in the future, as clarified in a meeting with NAPS on December 30, 2024, where it was stated that the scholarship is for all tertiary institutions, not just universities. However, specific application timelines and participating polytechnics beyond Kwara State Polytechnic are yet to be announced.

If you are a student at another polytechnic, contact your institution’s administration or scholarship office to inquire about potential inclusion in the next phase of OPay’s program.

Contact Information

• OPay Customer Service: Call 0700 8888 328 or use the in-app support for inquiries about the scholarship or account activation.
• Kwara State Polytechnic: If you are a student at Kwara Poly, contact the scholarship office or NAPS representatives for specific application details.

Note: The application process may vary slightly depending on the polytechnic, as OPay designed its collaboration to each institution. If no announcement has been made at your polytechnic, the scholarship may not yet be available, but OPay’s commitment to expanding the program suggests more opportunities will arise. Keep checking with your institution and OPay’s official channels for the latest information.