As he turns 70 on February 22, 2026, Nigeria’s foremost technology entrepreneur and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, has chosen to mark the milestone not with lavish celebration but with a substantial investment in the nation’s future. Rather than hosting a birthday gathering, Ekeh is funding 1,000 university scholarships for indigent Nigerian students to study Computer Science in federal universities across the country.
A Strategic Investment in Tech Talent
The initiative, according to Ekeh, is designed to cultivate a new generation of technology-driven leaders capable of strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in both public and private sectors. Beneficiaries, he stated, “who will not be bonded, shall disrupt global wealth equation in favour of Nigeria and defend our tech independence.”
Selection for the scholarship will be based on nationwide assessment of Intelligent Quotient (IQ) and age, specifically targeting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme prioritizes applicants whose parents earn below Government Level 10 or its equivalent in the private sector.
Beyond tuition support, the initiative is structured as a comprehensive development pipeline. Beneficiaries will receive exposure to global standards, mentorship, and multi-disciplinary learning extending beyond core technology studies.
Speaking in a phone interview, Ekeh outlined the programme’s structure: “Each shall have a tech mentor from year one, as I plan a partnership with Computer Society of Nigeria and every vocation they shall be engaged resourcefully. Beneficiaries shall be from poor homes and those with parents who earn below Government Level 10 and its equivalent in the private sector.”
The first batch of scholars is scheduled to begin their studies in September 2026. Ekeh expressed his expectation that each beneficiary would earn a first-class degree.
A Philosophy Rooted in Gratitude
Ekeh described the scholarship programme as “my Group of companies’ and my little way of appreciating my country, individuals and corporates that gave us the opportunities in the last 40 years and still patronizing our Tech Group, Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies, Konga etc.”
He added with characteristic vision: “If we are successful with this spiritual mandate, I can then celebrate my 100 years on earth with a bang. With God and AI, I am aiming to make 120 years.”
Why Technology Education Matters Now
Ekeh, who has consistently avoided elaborate birthday celebrations throughout his career, explained that the decision reflects his longstanding conviction that technology represents Nigeria’s most viable pathway to economic transformation.
“We need quality and tech-savvy wiz-kids who can drive the future of government and e-governance and those who will become change-makers in the private sector,” he said.
He issued a warning about Nigeria’s technological trajectory, expressing concern that the nation risks permanent dependency if it fails to deliberately cultivate indigenous talent capable of managing the anticipated expansion across oil and gas, banking, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, entertainment, and the public sector over the next decade.
“I have been blessed and bruised in this country and I thank God. Frankly, I don’t see enough Nigerian tech wiz-kids who can defend the massive development anticipated in the next 5 – 10 years,” Ekeh stated. “We are becoming slaves in our own country in a knowledge century which is unfortunate.”
He offered a striking projection: “Only four God-anointed tech wiz-kids can alter the GDP of this country in five years. The man who controls your tech resources decides your profit level and how far your country and corporations can grow in this second quarter of the 21st Century and in future.”
A Legacy of Human Capital Development
The scholarship scheme adds to an extensive portfolio of human capital development initiatives undertaken by Ekeh and the Zinox Group over four decades. His companies have trained more than 3,000 Nigerians and donated technology centres to over 25 institutions nationwide.
Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) and affiliated companies, the group has established entrepreneurship centres at St. Augustine University, Epe; Federal University, Birnin Kebbi; and Imo State University (IMSU). These centres focus on upskilling young Nigerians, providing stipends, mentorship, digital devices, and in some cases, interest-free loans to support business launch.
Ekeh also referenced ongoing initiatives such as TD Africa’s project to produce 10,000 female tech experts, from which 400 have already graduated and secured employment across various Nigerian corporations.
The Financial Commitment
Regarding the cost of the scholarship programme, Ekeh described it as “a spirit-driven project to thank those who supported and are still supporting companies within the Zinox Group.”
“It has an annual cost that shall run into billions of Naira and my group is committed to it amongst other social responsibility projects,” he disclosed. “The full package shall be revealed online on April 22, 2026.”
A Philosophy of Capitalism with Empathy
Ekeh, a devout Catholic from Ubomiri in Imo State and former mass server and chorister, has consistently distinguished between profit and purpose. He maintains that capitalism must be tempered with humanity and often observes that no one enters the world with wealth nor departs with it.
Speaking previously about the church he built in his hometown, he reflected on his journey: “I come from a lineage of people who served God dedicatedly. I think I am a miracle child… I love God and will never hesitate to do anything in the service of God and humanity.”
He once told journalists: “God is the architect of my success. As an entrepreneur, I have strategised, stayed up late, made projections but if there was no mercy of God and His grace to help me implement these, there will be no success. I work an average of 20 hours a day and near zero holidays and I have no health challenges.”
The Bigger Picture
While Ekeh describes the 1,000-student scholarship programme as “a tiny drop in the ocean” of his philanthropic commitments, its significance extends far beyond the gesture. In the context of Nigeria’s widening digital skills gap and heavy reliance on foreign technical expertise, the initiative represents a strategic intervention aimed at shifting the nation from technology consumption toward genuine technological sovereignty.
As Nigeria confronts the disruptions of artificial intelligence and global economic realignment, Ekeh’s 70th birthday may ultimately be remembered less for the age milestone itself and more for the investment in human capital he intends to outlive him.
Read Also: Corporate Blackmail, My Story as a Case Study, by Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman Zinox Group
Below is how we can help you promote your event, organization and products/services . This is the best you can get from this global platform of over decades experience.
PACKAGE:
First Leg: Full page Promotional package showcasing your Invitation Card, Banner/Flex, 3 different Photographs and brief of the coming event. Also your picture/Name will be the headline News in digivation blog(Pre-Event)
Second Leg: Full Page Promotional package of the event showcasing 5 different photographs plus short audio/visual clip of the event. Also org. picture/Name will be the headline news our blog(Post-Event).
Rate: N150,000 Only For Both Pre and Post Events. (Rate is only Applicable during the Promotional Period)
For further inquiries, contact the undersigned:
Hilary Damissah (Editor)
Mojisola Alabi ( business Development)
Email: digivationtv@gmail.com
Chief Imo Ukwa(Advert Consultant) 08063779938
