Leo Stan Ekeh’s 70th Birthday Gift to Nigeria: 1,000 Tech Scholarships
Nigeria’s tech icon, Leo Stan Ekeh, has chosen to mark his 70th birthday with a significant investment in the country’s future. Instead of throwing a lavish party, Ekeh is offering university scholarships to 1,000 indigent Nigerian students to study Computer Science in federal universities. This initiative aims to equip the country with a new generation of tech-savvy individuals who can drive growth in the private and public sectors.
The scholarship program, valued at N10 billion, will support students from low-income families, with parents earning below Government Level 10 or its equivalent in the private sector. Each beneficiary will have a tech mentor from the first year, and the program will partner with the Computer Society of Nigeria to provide vocational training. The first batch of students is expected to start in September, to achieve first-class degrees.
Ekeh’s philanthropic gesture is driven by his desire to give back to the country that has supported his business ventures. He believes that technology is the key to altering the digital trajectories of Nigerians and positioning them as wealth creators and sustainers. “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,” Ekeh said.
The scholarship program is part of Ekeh’s broader philosophy of philanthropy and human-capital development. Through his Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and Zinox Group, he has impacted numerous individuals and institutions, promoting entrepreneurship and tech skills development. Ekeh’s goal is to empower these students to disrupt the global wealth equation in favor of Nigeria and defend the country’s tech independence.
This initiative showcases Ekeh’s commitment to giving back to society and investing in Nigeria’s future. As he approaches this milestone birthday, his focus remains on creating a lasting legacy that benefits the nation.
