Leo Stan Ekeh, Africa’s leading tech icon and Chairman of Zinox Group, is turning 70 on February 22. Instead of hosting a grand celebration. Ekeh has chosen to mark this milestone by offering university scholarships to 1,000 underprivileged Nigerian students. These scholarships will enable the recipients, described as “indigent wiz-kids,” to study Computer Science at federal universities. His goal is to nurture a new generation of tech-savvy professionals. Who can drive economic growth in both the private and public sectors.
Ekeh believes these students, who will not be bonded to any obligations, have the potential to disrupt the global wealth equation. In favor of Nigeria and safeguard the country’s technological independence. The selection process will focus on intelligence quotient and age, ensuring a nationwide reach. Beyond technical education, the students will be groomed to become global tech citizens.
Ekeh Shared His Plan
Speaking about the initiative, Ekeh shared, “Each student will have a tech mentor from their first year. I plan to collaborate with the Computer Society of Nigeria. To ensure they are resourcefully engaged in their studies and vocations. Beneficiaries will come from poor families or households where parents earn below Government Level 10 or its private-sector equivalent. The first batch will begin this September, and I expect them to graduate with first-class degrees. This is my way of giving back to Nigeria and appreciating the individuals and organizations that have supported my companies. Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies, Konga, and others—over the last 40 years. If this spiritual mandate succeeds, I’ll celebrate my 100th birthday with a grand party. With God and AI, I aim to live to 120 years.”
Known for his humility and private nature, Ekeh explained that he prefers to invest in building world-class tech talent rather than hosting a lavish birthday party. “We need skilled, tech-savvy individuals to lead the future of government, e-governance, and innovation in the private sector,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s current challenges, Ekeh added, “I don’t see enough Nigerian tech experts. Who can support the massive development expected in the next 5–10 years across sectors. Like oil and gas, banking, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, entertainment, and public services. We are becoming slaves in our own country during a knowledge-driven era. Only a few God-anointed tech talents can transform Nigeria’s GDP within five years. The person who controls your tech resources determines your profit margins and the growth of your country and corporations in this century.
Ekeh Honoured as Icon of Hope in 2003
Ekeh, who was honored as the “Icon of Hope” by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 for his transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy. Emphasized the need for strategic planning to prepare for future disruptions. “The future is here, but it’s fragile and disruptive. You’re either something or nothing—there’s no middle ground. Technology is the only profession today that can change the destiny of brilliant, humble kids from poor families, turning them into wealth creators. Though I didn’t come from a very poor family, I am a testament to this reality. I’ll share my full story in my book, set to be published in late 2027.”
When asked about the cost of this ambitious project. Ekeh described it as a “spirit-driven initiative” to thank those who have supported the Zinox Group. He revealed that the annual cost will run into billions of Naira, with his group fully committed to the project. He also highlighted other social responsibility efforts. Such as the TD Africa Project, which aims to train 10,000 female tech experts. So far, 400 women have graduated and secured employment in various organizations across Nigeria. The full details of this initiative will be unveiled online on April 22, 2026.
Ekeh’s Tech Contributions
Beyond his birthday and scholarship program. Ekeh has spent the last 40 years as a role model for philanthropy and public service. His contributions include training over 3,000 Nigerians, donating tech centers to over 25 institutions nationwide. And receiving numerous local and international awards.
Ekeh’s philanthropic efforts extend across Nigeria, from the south to the north. A few years ago, he built a church complete with a rectory in his hometown of Ubomiri, Imo State, where he once served as a mass servant and chorister. At the church’s dedication, he emotionally recounted his family’s deep connection to faith and service. “My grandfather produced a Reverend Father ordained on the same day as Rev. Canon Tansi. My father was a soloist in this church, and I served as a mass servant and choir member. I’ve never tasted alcohol or smoked in my life—it simply never appealed to me. I believe God saved me from birth.”
Ekeh attributes his success to divine grace and hard work. “God is the architect of my success. As an entrepreneur, I’ve strategized, stayed up late, and made projections. But without God’s mercy and grace, none of it would have been possible. I work an average of 20 hours a day, rarely take holidays, and have no health challenges. God has managed me, giving me a proactive personality and shielding me from life’s pitfalls.”
Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation
Through his Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) and the Zinox Group, Ekeh has made significant contributions. To human capital development, entrepreneurship, and education. In the last two years alone, his foundation launched entrepreneurship centers. At St. Augustine University in Lagos, Federal University in Kebbi State, and Imo State University (IMSU). These centers have empowered young Nigerians to become job creators rather than job seekers. At IMSU, 200 students completed a three-month entrepreneurship program. Receiving training from top experts from Nigeria, the U.S., and the U.K. Participants were provided stipends, Z-pad tablets, and interest-free loans to start their businesses.
What sets Ekeh apart is his quiet approach to philanthropy. He avoids media attention, focusing instead on impactful, behind-the-scenes efforts. For Ekeh, the scholarship for 1,000 Nigerian students is just one of many initiatives in his lifelong commitment. To uplifting humanity and advancing technology across Africa.
