OPay Names Top 10 Teams in N18m National Innovation Challenge

Sunday Ehigiator

OPay, in partnership with Google and the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, has announced the 10 teams advancing to the next stage of its National Innovation Challenge under the expanded OPay Scholars Programme.

The challenge attracted more than 11,000 students and 2,200 teams, reflecting growing interest among young Nigerians in developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges across various sectors.

Following a selection process, 48 teams were shortlisted for a six-week employability webinar designed to strengthen their knowledge, develop workplace-relevant skills and prepare them for the next stage.

At the end of the webinar, 10 teams emerged as the top teams and will proceed to an intensive Boot Camp, where they will work with experienced mentors and industry professionals to further develop, test and refine their solutions ahead of the final stage.

Speaking on the initiative, CSR Manager, OPay, Itoro Udoh, said the programme was designed to create practical opportunities for young Nigerians to turn their ideas and skills into solutions.

“Beyond the challenge, our goal is to equip young Nigerians with practical skills, mentorship and pathways to opportunities that can create lasting impact,” Udoh said.

The National Innovation Challenge has a total prize pool of N18 million. Beyond rewarding innovative ideas, the initiative provides participants with opportunities to gain practical experience, strengthen their solutions and engage with professionals within the innovation and technology ecosystem.

The programme also provides opportunities beyond the competition, with students who perform exceptionally well during the webinar stage to be considered for the OPay Futures pipeline.

Those selected for the pipeline may gain access to potential three-month internship opportunities with OPay and other partner organisations.

The 10 teams advancing to the Boot Camp are Lyrclip from Miva Open University; ResearchFlow from Olabisi Onabanjo University; CampusCheck from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti; Veripay from MOAUM, Benue State University; CoursePass from Lagos State University of Science and Technology; Teamcobuild from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Verified Hands from Ahmadu Bello University; SkoolConnectNG from Yaba College of Technology; Thrifty from Ahmadu Bello University; and Team Paye from Adeleke University.

OPay said the initiative was part of its broader 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 said.