OPay has announced the launch of the OPay CyberLab Project, a pioneering initiative aimed at strengthening cybersecurity education across Nigerian universities. The announcement was made during the 2025 Empowering Futures Conference in Lagos, marking a significant milestone alongside the first anniversary of OPay’s ₦1.2 billion ($800,000) ten-year scholarship programme. Through this initiative, OPay seeks to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, empowering students to gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies.
The CyberLabs are designed to equip students with practical cybersecurity skills while enhancing campus technology infrastructure. They will expose learners to industry-grade systems such as OPay’s in-house Face ID verification and fraud-detection technologies. The company revealed that its engineers will work closely with university faculties to provide workshops, training sessions, and annual lectures focused on cybersecurity and fintech innovation. The initiative aims to ensure students are prepared for the evolving digital threat landscape while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
Elizabeth Wang, Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer at OPay Nigeria, shared that the initiative was born from a request by the University of Calabar (UniCal) to enhance its cybersecurity facilities. She emphasized that the CyberLab Initiative is intended to give students real-world exposure to cybersecurity tools and systems, helping them build and protect the technologies of the future. The company has already signed an MoU with 20 tertiary institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and UniCal, with more partnerships expected as the programme expands nationwide.
The initiative builds upon OPay’s existing scholarship programme, which has disbursed ₦126 million ($87,100) to 420 students in its first cycle, based on merit and financial need. The scholarships are paid directly into verified student accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability. CSR Manager, Itoro Udo, reiterated that OPay’s mission extends beyond financial technology, focusing on creating sustainable social impact through education and innovation. “Our journey has never been just about technology—it is about building bridges and connecting communities,” he noted.
University leaders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformative move for Nigeria’s education and technology sectors. However, they have also called for complementary efforts such as alumni tracking systems, internship opportunities, and job placements to ensure long-term student success. The Dean of Student Affairs at UniCal, Prof. Patrick Egaga, highlighted that the CyberLab will not only enhance academic research but also support national security by aiding digital forensics and crime prevention. OPay has reaffirmed its commitment to scaling the CyberLab programme over the next decade, ensuring Nigeria’s growing digital workforce is equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
