Smiles all around as students of Opebi Primary School celebrate their rewards from the PalmPay Young Stars initiative
Nana Sani, a Primary 4 student at Opebi Primary School in Lagos, emerged as the best-performing student in her school and was awarded a scholarship under the PalmPay Young Stars initiative. It was a proud and emotional moment for her mother, who has worked hard to ensure she completed her elementary education.
Stories like Nana’s reflect the reality for many families across Nigeria. Every day, children go to school with the hope that education will lead to a better future. But for many, the journey is shaped by financial pressure and other barriers that can make staying in school more difficult.
This is why PalmPay launched Young Stars, an initiative created to recognise and reward high-performing pupils in public primary schools at an important stage in their development. It is designed not only to celebrate academic excellence, but also to encourage ambition, confidence and a stronger commitment to learning.
Through the programme, 60 outstanding pupils received support to help them stay focused on their education and continue working towards brighter opportunities ahead.
The need for initiatives like this remains significant. According to UNICEF, millions of children in Nigeria are still at risk of missing out on foundational education. While improving access remains critical, sustained support and encouragement also play an important role in helping out-of-school children remain engaged and motivated.
At the official presentation ceremony held at Adeniyi Jones and St. Peter’s Primary schools, the Chief Operating Officer at PalmPay, Mr Samuel Oluyemi gave the students a short financial literacy workshop while encouraging them to strive for the best, notwithstanding circumstances.
Mrs. Abaleke, one of the parents of the scholarship recipients, expressed profound gratitude to PalmPay: I am happy and I can’t express the amount of joy in my heart. I’m overwhelmed by this opportunity PalmPay has given to my child. I’m grateful to PalmPay for this scholarship; may God reward their efforts with success.”
At the presentation event held at Adeniyi Jones Primary School, the Assistant Head Teacher said in his opening address: “We sincerely appreciate our sponsor (PalmPay), guests, parents, and every individual present here for your support and commitment towards empowering the next generation. To all the beneficiaries, this scholarship is not just financial support, but a motivation to strive for excellence and achieve greater success in life.”
The effect of initiatives like Young Stars extends far beyond the award recipients.
It brings hope to families, motivates teachers, and most importantly, it helps shape a generation that values education, supporting school retention one child at a time.
Through this initiative, PalmPay is nurturing potential, strengthening communities, and helping to build the foundation for a stronger Nigeria.