*The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation discloses the technology facility is equipped with highly integrated all-in-one Zinox computers, 24-hour iPower solar-powered electricity, and high-speed Starlink corporate Internet connectivity, fully subscribed to for the next five years
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF), established by Leo Stan Ekeh, Africa’s foremost serial digital entrepreneur, at the weekend, donated a multi-million-Naira state-of-the-art AI-Tech Centre to Holy Ghost College, in Owerri, Imo State capital.
The presentation of the digital facility is considered a landmark gesture that added prestige and excitement to the school’s 77th Anniversary celebrations.
The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation said the tech facility, personally supervised by Ekeh from construction to finishing, is equipped with highly integrated all-in-one Zinox computers, 24-hour iPower solar-powered electricity, and high-speed Starlink corporate Internet connectivity, fully subscribed to for the next five years.
The Foundation also noted said the facility designed as a world-class smart learning environment as well features eco-friendly integrated workstations, modern furniture, and two large AI-enabled interactive screens for real-time online tutorials and digital learning sessions.
The LSEF said the facility instantly, had positioned Holy Ghost College among Nigeria’s emerging smart technology-driven secondary schools with the capacity to compete globally.
An alumnus of the academic institution, Ekeh said the project was inspired by his desire to equip students with the digital skills and global exposure required to thrive in the 21st Century knowledge economy.
He further stated: “It is my prayer that this centre will produce Nigeria’s next generation of tech-driven billionaires who can create wealth, transform lives, and alter the destinies of millions of Nigerians.
“Many of us who succeeded in business during our time emerged despite limited access to technology and infrastructure, but God helped us.”
The Chairman of Zinox Group noted: “Today’s children have a better opportunity.
“My dream is that this centre will help build a strong technology culture among young Nigerians; and through strategic partnerships with globally recognised consultants, we will deliver certified AI training and content, establishing this institution as a premier, world-class technology hub.”
According to him, plans are already underway to transform the centre into a certified training hub for global technology brands including Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, and Starlink.
Ekeh also said: “We are recruiting a Director for the Tech Centre and other support staff to ensure effective management and sustainability.
“Beyond technology training, we are also introducing structured mentorship programmes focused on ethics, leadership, finishing school culture, transparent communication, and modern approaches to engaging today’s digitally exposed generation.”
The Chairman of LSEF disclosed that through his Foundation and companies under the Zinox Group, similar projects have been implemented in over 123 primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across Nigeria since 1996.
Ekeh stated He further revealed that after completing several ongoing intervention projects within the next 12 months, the Foundation would intensify focus on its recently launched 1,000 Tech University Scholarships initiative for indigent Nigerian students.
He explained: “It is our own way of giving back to society, appreciating Nigerians who supported our businesses over the years, and helping to build world-class human capital that will drive the future growth of our nation.”
Ekeh also announced plans to refurbish one of the school’s hostels into a fully intelligent hostel fitted with AI-enabled amenities to encourage academic excellence and healthy competition among students.
The Chairman of LSEF noted: “It will become a privilege to be accommodated there. “Every student resident in the hostel will receive a congratulatory letter from the Foundation alongside a token gift.
“We need to deliberately reset the mindset of our young people towards global competitiveness if we must secure a better future.”
Ekeh as well described the AI-Tech Centre as one of the first of its kind in South-East Nigeria, urging the students to take full advantage of the opportunities the digital facility presents.
He also stated: “In the 21st century, ICT has become one of the greatest equalisers.
“Technology gives children from humble backgrounds the opportunity to compete globally and transform their destinies.”
Ekeh, therefore, encouraged students to apply for the ongoing 1,000 Tech University Scholarships programme, which the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation instituted in partnership with Zinox Technologies, TD Africa, Task Systems, and Konga Group.
According to him, interested applicants can access full details via the scholarship banner on konga.com.
Ekeh as well assured the school that the personnel managing the centre would receive proper training and competitive remuneration to maintain world-class operational standards.
The Chairman of Zinox Group announced that at least seven secondary schools across Nigeria would benefit from similar infrastructure projects within the next one year, including mini-ICT centres and residential apartments for teachers and knowledge workers.
Sharing personal insights from his entrepreneurial journey, Ekeh told the students that technology had created many of the world’s leading billionaires, including Elon Musk and Bill Gates, urging them to take ICT education seriously.
He told the students: “In life, many are called, but few are chosen.
“You can become among the chosen if you acquire the right digital skills with the right mindset. This centre offers that opportunity.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the tech centre, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Chairman of Germaine Group, a longtime friend of Ekeh, and successful son of Imo State, donated N10 million to the school.
The AI-Tech Centre was formally inaugurated by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, assisted by Mr. Cosmas Ibe, an alumnus of the college.
Archbishop Ugorji commended Ekeh for what he described as a “Godly and noble gesture borne purely out of love and genuine commitment to education, not political ambition.”
He charged the students to make proper use of the facility and protect it responsibly.
“Take ownership of this centre. Preserve it, do not vandalize it, and use it to become experts in ICT and responsible leaders of tomorrow.”
Rev. Dr. Samuel Agu, Principal of Holy Ghost College, also expressed profound appreciation to the Ekeh family.
Rev. Dr. Agu described the intervention as a transformative investment capable of producing future leaders not only in ICT but across different sectors of society.
Similarly, Prof. Bernard-Thompson Ikegwuoha, Imo State Honourable Commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, applauded Ekeh for contributing meaningfully to the ongoing transformation of the state’s educational ecosystem.
The clergyman described Ekeh as “a worthy ambassador of Imo State and a shining example of purposeful philanthropy and visionary leadership.”[
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