In a bold step towards transforming Nigeria’s education and technology ecosystem, OPE Nigeria has unveiled the CyberLab initiative, a program designed to equip university students with practical cyber security skills while strengthening the company’s N1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment to higher institutions across the country.
The program, launched at the OpE Empowering Future Conference 2025, aims to build on the fintech company's mission of using technology as a tool for empowerment.
Elizabeth Wang, Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer of OPE Nigeria, said the CyberLab concept was inspired by a request from the University of Calabar to support its cyber security laboratory.
“When the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar asked if Opay could help with their CyberLab, we realized how this directly aligns with our mission to make financial services and technology more inclusive. The CyberLab initiative will give students real-world experience with advanced systems, preparing them to build and secure future technologies,” Wang said.
Under the new programme, OPE will equip partner universities with modern cyber security infrastructure and practical training led by its engineering team. The company also plans to integrate its proprietary systems, such as its in-house Face ID verification tool and real-time fraud detection engine, into the CyberLab curriculum, to give students first-hand experience of industry-level security technologies.
Wang explained, “Three years ago, we built our Face ID system completely in-house. Integrating such tools into our partnership will help students understand how to design technology that prioritizes security, trust, and efficiency.”
Beyond hardware and software support, OpE teams will visit universities annually to conduct workshops on cybersecurity, fintech innovation and digital security, mentor students and help bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice.
The CyberLab initiative builds on OPay’s N1.2 billion scholarship programme, which was launched in 2024 to support 400 students annually across 20 universities. N126 million was disbursed to 420 students in the first year alone, with beneficiaries jointly selected by OPay and university officials based on merit and need.
At the conference, OPE honored representatives from 20 partner universities, including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, which is the first institution to sign the MoU in November 2024. Wang said the scholarship scheme reflects OPE's belief that education is the foundation of progress.
“We ensure the process is transparent and fair. Funds are paid directly into verified student accounts, and we follow up to confirm receipt and track their progress. Together with Nigerian universities, professors and students, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for Nigeria,” Wang confirmed.
For Itoro Uedo, OPE's corporate social responsibility manager, the company's initiative demonstrates its dedication to using innovation for social impact. “At OPE, our journey has never been just about technology. It's about building bridges and connecting communities. What's the point of progress if it doesn't bring others along the way?” Udo said.
Through the CyberLab initiative and scholarship programme, Ope is establishing itself as both a fintech leader and talent innovator, nurturing a generation of digital innovators ready to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity and technology ecosystem.
