Nigeria’s brightest undergraduate innovators have a new opportunity to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions as OPay opens applications for its 2026 Innovation Challenge, offering up to ₦18 million in project grants, scholarships, mentorship and career opportunities.
- Nigeria’s brightest undergraduate innovators have a new opportunity to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions as OPay opens applications for...
- The nationwide competition forms part of OPay’s broader ₦1.2 billion, 10-year education commitment aimed at supporting students across Nigerian tertiary...
- Students may submit projects on several themes, including fintech and digital payments, health technology, cybersecurity, educational technology, artificial intelligence for...
- Beyond financial rewards, participants will get webinars, innovation bootcamps, and mentorship programs to strengthen their technical and leadership skills.
Keep reading for the full breakdown on AI — everything you need to know is covered below.
The nationwide competition forms part of OPay’s broader ₦1.2 billion, 10-year education commitment aimed at supporting students across Nigerian tertiary institutions. The initiative goes beyond scholarship support by encouraging students to develop technology-driven solutions to address pressing social and economic challenges.
Empowering Student Innovators
The challenge seeks to equip young Nigerians with digital, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills while promoting innovation across sectors that affect everyday life. Organisers say participants are expected to develop practical solutions capable of delivering measurable impact in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, finance and education.
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Students may submit projects on several themes, including fintech and digital payments, health technology, cybersecurity, educational technology, artificial intelligence for social good, climate solutions, agritech, and digital tools for small businesses. These sectors have been identified as key areas where technology can improve lives and support economic growth across Africa.
Grants, Scholarships and Career Opportunities
The winning team will receive a ₦10 million project grant, a ₦300,000 scholarship award, mentorship from industry experts, advisory support, and employment opportunities. The second-placed team will earn a ₦5 million project grant and a ₦300,000 scholarship, while the third-placed team will receive a ₦3 million grant and a similar scholarship package. Both runner-up teams will also gain access to fellowship opportunities and professional support.
Beyond financial rewards, participants will get webinars, innovation bootcamps, and mentorship programs to strengthen their technical and leadership skills. High-performing teams may also secure internships and career opportunities through the OPay Futures programme.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to undergraduate students enrolled in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Applicants must meet minimum academic requirements, including a CGPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale for colleges and polytechnics, or 3.5 on a 5.0 scale for university students. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate financial need. Participants are also required to have engaged with Google Gemini as part of the application process.
According to OPay, applications close on June 14, 2026. Successful candidates will progress through screening stages, training sessions, and innovation boot camps before pitching their solutions at a national grand finale later in the year.
Driving the Next Wave of Innovation
The challenge is being delivered in partnership with Google and reflects a growing effort to connect talented students with technology, funding and industry networks. By combining scholarships, innovation training, and career pathways, OPay helps young Nigerians turn promising ideas into scalable solutions with lasting impact.