Tech visionary, Leo Stan Ekeh, donates modern tech centres to Imo, Lagos Universities

On a mission to empower future generations, Forbes Best of Africa leading Tech Icon, philanthropist, and Chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, has donated state-of-the-art training centres 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 grand ceremonies held at the two institutions simultaneously.  The two events were graced by the 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 accomplished 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) who was full of praises for Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for executing the futuristic knowledge centre, also informed the full house of how Dr. Ekeh intervenes every time they needed help and even recently, of how he intervened with provision of  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 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 the spirituality of the commitment of Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh to lift the younger ones. The centre, he said, was a recent promise kept beyond their expectation, and prayed that the country should be filled with persons like Dr. Ekeh.

Chairman, Board of Trusties of the institution, Dr. Steve Omojiafor, who recounted Dr. Ekeh’s quiet style of interventions said he was sure that Dr. Ekeh was going to remember the institutions one day in his philanthropic ventures and was very happy that his expectation has come to reality. He prayed God to continue to bless Dr. Ekeh the more.

The most interesting part of the commissioning of the two centres the same day, within the same time was the use of quality Artificial Intelligence deployed at the centres and remotely powered from Zinox Group Head quarters (Yudala Heights) on Idowu Martins street, Victoria Island, Lagos where Dr. Ekeh was sitting and monitoring happenings at the two university campuses and from where he delivered his short speeches. He was consistent with his statement that he was determined to build a new generation of Nigerians who would have the capacity to alter their destinies and defend their wealth. He also assured both institutions’ Managements that he would turn the centres within two years into completed AI powered centres so that every student before matriculating must spend eights hours at these centres.

Leo Stan Ekeh’s philanthropic gestures underscore 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.

Leo Stan 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 donations. Notably, Mr. 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. Mr. Ekeh is a renowned philanthropist and a strong advocate of 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, Mr. Ekeh hopes to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. The LSEF Centre serves as a beacon of opportunity, empowering students at the 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.