Leading Fintech firm, OPay, has announced plans to establish a dedicated cybersecurity laboratory at the University of Calabar (UniCal).
The announcement followed a meeting between the OPay delegation and UniCal’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, on Tuesday in Calabar.
“To show how seriously we take this project, representatives of Hunter Flex Intercoms Construction Company, the firm to implement the project are with us on this visit,” said Mr Itoro Udo, leader of the OPay team.
He added that the visit was intended to fulfill OPay’s promise to the university. “Opay’s partnership with UniCal began in 2023, the company remains committed to strengthening this relationship by delivering tangible and impactful projects,” Udo stated.
The delegation also confirmed OPay’s support for the university in hosting the 2026 edition of the Nigeria University Games scheduled for August.
In response, Prof. Offiong praised the initiative, describing it as timely and essential for enhancing the university’s technological capabilities. “The proposed cybersecurity laboratory would position students ahead of their peers in digital skills and innovation,” he noted.
The Vice Chancellor assured that the university would provide full support to ensure the project’s successful implementation. “I sincerely commend Opay’s interest in supporting the university in the forthcoming university games, preparations are already underway for a successful hosting,” Offiong said.
He further emphasized the long-term benefits of the games, noting that the university intends to institutionalize key sporting infrastructure to sustain gains from the event. “The university has planned to sustain the gains from the games by institutionalising key sporting infrastructure,” he added.
OPay’s plan to build a cybersecurity laboratory aligns with growing industry demands for digital expertise and secure technological frameworks. By providing students with advanced resources and training, the project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s emerging tech talent and create opportunities for innovation within the university ecosystem.
The partnership demonstrates a strategic collaboration between private tech companies and academic institutions, highlighting the role of corporate support in driving national technological advancement. With both the laboratory project and the upcoming sports event, OPay and UniCal signal a commitment to holistic development that spans technology, education, and student engagement.
