On a mission to empower future generations, Forbes Best of Africa leading Tech Icon and Chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, Leo Stan Ekeh, has donated a state-of-the-art training centre to Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri and St. Augustine University Epe, Lagos state.
Both centres named the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) Centre, were unveiled on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at a grand ceremony held at the respective institutions. The two events were graced by their respective Vice Chancellors, DVCs, Senate and Council Members and very esteemed academics of the respective institutions.
The LSEF Centre at Imo State University is poised to offer a range of training programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce. These programs include the Finishing School, Entrepreneurship Boost Training, and specialized courses in Technology and Artificial Intelligence Viability. By equipping students with these essential skills, the centre aims to prepare them for success in their chosen fields and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The LSEF Centre, IMSU, shall connect with achieved private sector leaders across the world who shall with the power of technology deployed at the centre inspire and instigate success revolution in Imo state. Select Students shall have the opportunity to develop well-rounded skillsets that will propel them towards success in their chosen career paths. The Vice Chancellor of IMSU, Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze(SAN), was full of praises for Ekeh for executing the futuristic knowledge centre. He also informed the full house how Dr. Ekeh intervenes every time they needed help and even recently, he intervened with large number of computers for the institution to scale Accreditation. Also, the Director of the LSEF Centre, Prof. Gloria Ernest-Samuel said that Dr. Ekeh paid attention to details in setting up the Centre including chatting with her on Saturdays and Sundays. It was a privilege to experience this tech entrepreneur. He adds style to details, and this is why the feel of the centre is right. He will always stress that he was interested in content and not brick and mortar
The St. Augustine University centre, Epe in Lagos is a great display of the power of technology equipped with top of the range of All-in-One Zinox Computers, Tablets, Smart Boards etc. In his vote of thanks at the launch of the Centre, The Vice- Chancellor, Prof Christopher Odetunde, talked about spirituality of commitment from Dr. Ekeh to lift the younger ones. This was a recent promise kept beyond our expectation and he prayed that the country should be filled with persons like Ekeh.
Chairman of Board of Trusties of the institution, Dr. Steve Omojiafor, who recounted Dr. Ekeh’s quiet style of interventions said he was sure Dr. Ekeh shall remember the institutions one day in his philanthropic ventures. He prayed God to continue to bless him more.
The most interesting part of the commissioning of the two centres same day, within sametime, was the use of quality Artificial Intelligence deployed at these centres and remotely powered from Zinox Group Headquarters (Yudala Heights) on Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island where Dr. Ekeh was sitting and monitoring happenings at the two campuses and delivered his short speeches. He was consistent with his statement that he was determined to build a new generation of Nigerians who shall have the capacity to alter their destinies and defend their wealth. He also assured both institutions’ management that he shall turn the centres in two years as complete AI powered centres so that every student before matriculation must spend eights hours at these centres.
Ekeh’s philanthropic gesture underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing education and empowering the youth. Through the LSEF Centre, he seeks to provide students with access to high-quality training and mentorship, thereby enabling them to unleash their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Ekeh is a true pioneer in the Nigerian and African technology space. He has earned an indelible reputation for his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing the continent’s digital infrastructure. His accomplishments extend far beyond the LSEF Centre donation. Notably, Dr. Ekeh spearheaded the team that delivered the largest single ICT project in Africa, a testament to his unwavering commitment to technological advancement.
As the Chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, he has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking initiatives which have revolutionized the continent’s technological landscape. Ekeh is a renowned philanthropist and a strong advocate for youth empowerment. Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, he actively supports initiatives that bridge the digital divide and equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.
Speaking about the initiative, Leo Stan Ekeh, expressed his profound belief in the power of education to transform lives and drive socio-economic development. He emphasized the importance of equipping students with relevant skills and competencies to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. “This centre embodies my deep commitment to nurturing the talents of our young people. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can empower them to become the architects of a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Through this philanthropic initiative, Ekeh hopes to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The LSEF Centre serves as a beacon of opportunity, empowering students at Imo State University to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.
The establishment of the LSEF Centre marks a significant milestone in Imo State University’s journey towards academic excellence and innovation. As the university continues to strive for excellence, the LSEF Centre will serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of students to come.
