When OPay launched its National Innovation Challenge earlier this year, it was not just looking for ideas. It was searching for the next generation of builders who could help shape Nigeria’s digital economy.
After receiving more than 2,200 applications from over 11,000 undergraduate students across Nigeria, the fintech company has selected the top 48 teams to advance in the competition, where they will compete for a share of the ₦18 million prize pool while gaining access to mentorship, industry training, and internship opportunities.
The National Innovation Challenge is one of three flagship initiatives under the expanded OPay Scholars Programme, alongside the ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship initiative and OPay Futures. Together, the programmes are designed to support education, innovation, digital skills development, and youth empowerment.
More than prize money
Unlike many student competitions that end with cash prizes, the OPay Innovation Challenge is structured to help participants develop ideas into practical solutions while exposing them to industry experts. Applications opened on May 25 and closed on July 3, with students submitting technology-driven solutions addressing real-world challenges.
Following a first-round assessment based on originality, quality, relevance, and potential impact, 48 teams emerged from universities and polytechnics across the country. The finalists are evenly split, with 24 teams representing OPay partner institutions and another 24 coming from non-partner institutions, reflecting the programme’s effort to widen access regardless of school affiliation. Each team consists of five students from the same institution.
Six weeks of mentorship begin
The selected teams will now enter a six-week virtual learning and mentorship programme led by professionals from OPay, Google, and the Federal Government’s 3MTT programme. Through webinars and expert sessions, participants will refine their ideas, strengthen their understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship, and prepare for the next stage of the competition.
At the conclusion of the programme, only 10 teams will progress to the final stage of the National Innovation Challenge.
A pathway into the tech industry
Beyond the competition itself, OPay is using the challenge as a talent pipeline. Students from the 48 selected teams who score at least 70 percent in the webinar assessment will qualify for a three-month internship with OPay and partner organisations through OPay Futures.
The internship is expected to provide participants with hands-on industry experience, exposure to real business challenges, and opportunities to develop skills needed for careers in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
OPay says innovation goes beyond scholarships
Itoro Udo, CSR Manager at OPay, said: “The response to the National Innovation Challenge has been truly inspiring. Seeing over 11,000 students come together to develop practical solutions to real challenges reinforces our belief that Nigeria has an incredible pool of young talent ready to shape the future through innovation. Through the OPay Scholars Programme, we are investing beyond scholarships by creating opportunities for learning, mentorship, collaboration, and innovation. Together with our partners, Google and the Federal Government’s 3MTT programme, we are committed to helping young Nigerians develop the skills, confidence, and exposure they need to build solutions that can create meaningful impact for society.” The expanded OPay Scholars Programme combines financial support, innovation, and career development into a single ecosystem.
Beyond its ₦1.2 billion scholarship fund, the programme seeks to help students move from the classroom into innovation, practical industry experience, and employment, positioning young Nigerians to contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
Here are the 48 shortlisted teams
OPay partner institutions
* Thriftly – ABU
* Sauti Nexus – AEFUNAI
* FixLink – AAU
* PortInverter – BUK
* VigiVend – BenPoly
* Veripay – MOAUM
* Acadron – FPNO
* AlphaAcend – FUHSA
* Solarpeer 360 – FUTMINNA
* Guru Edutech – Kogi Poly
* Creative Titans – Kwara Poly
* NovaMinds – LASU
* TrustDNA – NSUK
* Treliant – OAU
* ResearchFlow – OOU
* Binary Bosses – UniAbuja
* Treffen Labs – UniCal
* Healing Hands – UI
* Lodgr – UniIlorin
* EvaFresh – UniJos
* NovaMeds – UniMaid
* Koboko – UNN
* Byte – UniUyo
Non-partner institutions
* DrRobot – FUTA
* StudifyPro – FUTO
* Tower – UNIBEN
* NeyoMarket – FULafia
* PharmaLink – KASU
* SentinelAI – ATBU
* DevSpace – CU
* Heala Health – Veritas University
* DonGyazerh Technologies – FUDutse
* AgriTeach – KWASUED
* CuraMind – UNIPORT
* CoursePass – LASUSTECH
* KytoLabx – BU
* CampusCheck – FUOYE
* Hausevo – NOUN
* Lyrclip – Miva
* Triumph – LAUTECH
* EcoSynergy – FUNAAB
* TeamCoBuild – UNIZIK
* ErrandG – LMU
* Learnnr – UNILAG
* Vita – NUN
* SkoolConnectNG – YCT
* Team Paye – AU
For more information, visit www.opayweb.com/innovation-challenge/ and follow OPay on LinkedIn, @OPay_NG on X, and @opay.ng on Instagram for updates.
