OPay, a leading fintech company in Nigeria, in partnership with Google and the Federal Government's 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, has announced the top 10 teams advancing to the next stage of its National Innovation Challenge. The challenge is an initiative under the expanded OPay Scholars Programme, aimed at empowering young Nigerians with the skills and opportunities needed to build solutions for real-world challenges. The programme received over 11,000 applications from students and 2,200 teams.
The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of the applications, followed by a six-week employability webinar designed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of the shortlisted teams. The webinar stage was attended by 48 teams, who were equipped with workplace-relevant skills and prepared for the next stage of the challenge. At the end of the webinar stage, 10 outstanding teams emerged as the top teams of the National Innovation Challenge and will now advance to an intensive Boot Camp.
The top 10 teams will work with experienced mentors and industry professionals at the Boot Camp to further develop, test, and refine their solutions ahead of the final stage of the challenge. The National Innovation Challenge has a total prize pool of N18 million and provides participants with opportunities to gain practical experience, strengthen their solutions, and engage with professionals within the innovation and technology ecosystem.
According to Itoro Udoh, CSR Manager at OPay, the programme is focused on creating practical pathways for young Nigerians to turn their ideas and skills into opportunities. The goal is to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, mentorship, and pathways to opportunities that can create lasting impact. The initiative also creates opportunities beyond the competition, including potential internship opportunities with OPay and other partner organisations.
The top 10 teams advancing to the Boot Camp include Lyrclip from Miva Open University, ResearchFlow from Olabisi Onabanjo University, CampusCheck from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, and Veripay representing MOAUM and Benue State University. Other teams include CoursePass from the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Teamcobuild from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Verified Hands from Ahmadu Bello University.
The remaining teams that made it to the top 10 include SkoolConnectNG from Yaba College of Technology, Thrifty from Ahmadu Bello University, and Team Paye from Adeleke University. OPay was established in 2018 as a leading fintech company in Nigeria with the mission to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The company offers a wide range of payment services, including money transfers, bill payments, and card services.
OPay's National Innovation Challenge is strengthening its commitment to supporting education, skills development, innovation, and employability among young Nigerians. As the top 10 teams advance to the Boot Camp, they move one step closer to transforming their ideas into solutions that can address real-world challenges and create a meaningful impact. The company is licensed by the CBN and insured by the NDIC with the same insurance coverage as commercial banks.
Key points
- The top 10 teams will advance to an intensive Boot Camp to further develop their solutions.
- The National Innovation Challenge has a total prize pool of N18 million.
- The programme provides participants with opportunities to gain practical experience and engage with professionals within the innovation and technology ecosystem.
