CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE – In a significant advancement for Nigeria’s technological education sector, OPay, a prominent player in the Financial Technology (Fintech) industry, has announced its intention to set up a specialized cybersecurity laboratory at the University of Calabar (UniCal).
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, a significant announcement was made during a strategic visit by the OPay delegation to the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Offiong Offiong.
This initiative, set to be executed by Hunter Flex Intercoms Construction Company, marks a substantial enhancement of the collaboration between the Fintech leader and the university, which originally began in 2023.
Closing the Global Cyber-Skills Gap
The proposed laboratory aims to function as a state-of-the-art incubator for digital security, equipping students with the essential tools and environment to excel in ethical hacking, data protection, and digital forensics.
During the visit, Itoro Udo, leader of the OPay delegation, underscored the company’s commitment to delivering “tangible and impactful projects” that extend beyond mere theoretical learning.
This initiative is timely, given the unprecedented demand for cybersecurity professionals globally, especially within Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy.
Key Goals of the Cybersecurity Lab
•Technical Proficiency: Practical training for recognizing and addressing systemic digital threats.
•Industry Readiness: ‘Aligning student projects with the practical security demands of the Fintech industry.’
•Infrastructure Support: Enhancing UniCal’s technological infrastructure and research capabilities.
•Innovation Hub: Creating an environment for students to design exclusive security protocols for Nigerian platforms.
Strategic Assistance for NUGA 2026
In addition to its technological investments, OPay has expressed its dedication to supporting the University of Calabar in hosting the 2026 Nigeria University Games (NUGA), which is set to take place in August. This multifaceted support underscores the company’s strategy of fostering both intellectual and physical development among Nigerian youth.
Professor Offiong, the Vice-Chancellor, praised OPay for its timely contribution, emphasizing that the establishment of the laboratory will give UniCal students a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital innovation landscape. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing all necessary logistical support to ensure the project’s successful implementation.
Ensuring Long-term Technological BenefitsThe Vice-Chancellor also announced that the university is prioritizing the development of essential sporting and technological infrastructure to guarantee that the benefits derived from the 2026 games and the new OPay laboratory are sustained for future generations.
The laboratory is anticipated to serve as a foundational element of the university’s Faculty of Physical Sciences, functioning as a regional hub for cybersecurity excellence within the South-South geopolitical zone.The attendance of the construction firm during the visit indicates a prompt initiation of the structural and technical installation phases.
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