The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to digital education and youth empowerment with the commissioning of state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Centres at two secondary schools in Gbagada, Lagos State.
The centres, established in collaboration with businesses within the Zinox Group, including Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies Limited and Konga Group, are located at Gbagada Senior Grammar School and Lanre Awolokun High School.
Designed to integrate technology into everyday learning, the facilities provide students and teachers with access to modern computing infrastructure, digital learning resources and AI-enabled educational tools.
Each centre is equipped with the latest Zinox All-in-One desktop computers, large interactive AI-enabled screens, 24-hour renewable energy solutions from iPower and two years of satellite internet connectivity provided by Starlink.
The facilities are expected to enhance digital learning and connect school communities to educational resources beyond the classroom.
Speaking at the commissioning, Chairman of the Zinox Group, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, expressed appreciation to the teachers and students for their warm reception, commending both school communities for their commitment to education.
He urged the students to embrace patience, discipline and hard work as essential ingredients for success, while encouraging them to leverage the new technology platforms to drive innovation, create wealth and position themselves for global opportunities.
Ekeh challenged the students to become agents of positive disruption and the nation’s next generation of wealth creators, capable of protecting their wealth and attaining the status of certified global citizens.
“This is my prayer for you, as I now see myself as part of these two schools,” he said.
The technology entrepreneur also called on the Federal Government and subnational governments to give greater priority to education, stressing the need to improve teachers’ welfare and ensure that knowledge workers rank among the highest-paid professionals in Nigeria.
“An angry or hungry teacher cannot deliver quality content to students. We must consciously raise the quality of education to save this nation,” he added.
Ekeh, who has consistently championed technology access and quality education for young Nigerians, further advised the students to remain focused on their studies and uphold the values of integrity, discipline and responsibility.
He noted that taking their education seriously would position them to make meaningful contributions to society and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the global technology ecosystem.
As part of efforts to identify and nurture exceptional talent, Ekeh pledged full scholarships and access to exclusive, world-class technology training for students who distinguish themselves academically and graduate with outstanding results.
The Gbagada initiative marks the latest milestone in the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation’s 38-year commitment to educational development and technology-driven empowerment, bringing its education and technology interventions across Nigeria to 123 projects.
The Foundation’s initiatives span primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, reflecting its sustained focus on leveraging technology and education to prepare the next generation of Nigerian innovators and professionals.
Through the Foundation and other Zinox Group companies, Ekeh has invested significantly in digital education, establishing technology laboratories and innovation hubs in universities and colleges across the country.
Beneficiaries of these interventions include Imo State University (IMSU), St. Augustine University, Epe, Lagos State; Federal University Birnin Kebbi; Bakambara Day Secondary School, Kebbi State; and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, Imo State, among others.
Meanwhile, the Foundation is intensifying efforts to develop a new generation of technology professionals, with plans to provide globally recognised training and qualifications to 1,000 young Nigerians.
According to the Foundation’s Director of Studies, Dr. George Emetuche, the programme is targeting brilliant but indigent students, who will receive 100 per cent university scholarships to enable them to acquire relevant technology skills and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
Emetuche disclosed that the first set of beneficiaries had already secured admission to study Computer Science and Computer Engineering at various universities across Nigeria.
He added that the beneficiaries would be officially announced in due course.