The scholarship initiative, which was first announced by Africa’s foremost technology entrepreneur and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, is designed to empower indigent but exceptionally gifted Nigerian students to study Computer Science and other technology-related disciplines in federal and state universities, as well as polytechnics, across the country.

Interested applicants can now visit Konga.com and click on the “1000 Tech Scholarship” banner, where all relevant information and application guidelines are available.

The initiative was inspired by Ekeh’s decision to mark his 70th birthday in an unconventional yet impactful manner. Rather than host an elaborate celebration, the serial digital entrepreneur and Forbes-recognised tech icon chose to invest directly in Nigeria’s future as a way of giving back to the corporate institutions and Nigerians who supported and trusted his business startup from its early stages and have continued to patronise his businesses over the years.

For decades, Ekeh, a recognised tech disruptor and a notably private personality, has remained a major force in the continent’s digital ecosystem.

He pioneered indigenous computer manufacturing through Zinox Technologies, ICT Solutions through Task Systems, drove technology distribution through TD Africa, and transforming e-commerce with Konga. Through his businesses and philanthropic efforts, more than 6,700 Nigerians have reportedly benefited from technology training and empowerment initiatives championed by him over the years.

According to stakeholders behind the programme, the scholarship initiative goes beyond financial support and represents a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future. Beneficiaries will enjoy full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipends.

In addition, they will undergo intensive holiday training focused on strategic self-development and digital skills designed to prepare them for global opportunities upon graduation.

Globally, the impact of technology on economic growth has become undeniable. According to reports by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation, digital economies contribute more than 15% of global GDP, while countries that invest heavily in digital education and technology infrastructure consistently record higher employment rates, stronger innovation ecosystems, and improved economic competitiveness.

In Africa, the technology sector is projected to contribute over $1.5 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030, with millions of digital jobs expected to emerge within the decade.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, stands at the centre of this opportunity. However, experts have consistently stressed that the country’s ability to compete globally will depend significantly on how quickly it develops a new generation of highly skilled technology professionals.

It is this critical gap the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation hopes to bridge.

Beyond tuition support, beneficiaries will gain access to mentorship, industry exposure, and practical guidance from distinguished members of the Nigeria Computer Society and other technology professionals. The initiative is structured to equip students with market-relevant skills, hands-on experience, and professional networks capable of positioning them for success in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

The scholarship programme also reflects a broader vision shared by its supporting partners (TD Africa, Konga, Zinox Technologies, and Task Systems) all of whom have played significant roles in shaping Africa’s ICT landscape over the years.

Industry observers believe the initiative could become one of the most impactful private-sector-driven educational interventions in Nigeria’s technology sector, particularly at a time when the country is aggressively pursuing digital transformation across education, governance, business, and public services.

As applications officially commence, organisers have assured prospective candidates that the selection process will remain transparent, merit-driven, and inclusive, with equal opportunities for qualified applicants from across Nigeria.

For easy access to the scholarship portal, application details, and participation guidelines, interested students are encouraged to visit Konga.com and click on the “1000 Tech Scholarship” banner.

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The dedicated application portal, initially scheduled to go live on April 22, will now launch on Monday, April 27, 2026, following final technical enhancements to ensure a seamless, secure, and transparent application experience for prospective candidates nationwide.

This landmark initiative, first announced by Africa’s foremost tech icon and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, forms part of his unwavering commitment to national development and youth empowerment.

The programme was unveiled on February 22, 2025, when Ekeh marked his 70th birthday. Rather than host an elaborate celebration befitting a man of his stature, he chose to channel resources into a cause that would create long-term impact for an economy, offering university scholarships to indigent but brilliant Nigerian youths to study Computer Science in federal institutions.

Building on a legacy of over 6709 beneficiaries trained over four decades by him and his companies, Mr. Ekeh at the time said the goal is to nurture a new generation of highly skilled technology professionals capable of supporting both the private and public sectors, while positioning Nigeria for greater competitiveness in the global digital economy.

This vision reflects his decades-long commitment to building sustainable  positive disruptive capacity within Nigeria’s technology ecosystem that shall alter the nation’s GDP.

The scholarship programme is designed to transcend mere financial support, offering beneficiaries access to a comprehensive ecosystem powered by the initiative’s distinguished partners.

Beneficiaries will receive technical support, mentorship by very successful members of Nigeria Compute Society, and industry exposure to ensure that recipients are equipped with practical, market-relevant skills. This multi-faceted approach ensures that scholarship beneficiaries gain not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience and professional networks that will propel their careers in technology.

By leveraging the combined expertise and infrastructure of these industry leaders, the initiative is poised to deliver a transformative learning experience that prepares young Nigerians to compete effectively on the global stage.

Beneficiaries will emerge as future-ready innovators capable of driving digital transformation across sectors and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth.

The initiative builds on the longstanding legacy of Leo Stan Ekeh, whose contributions to Nigeria’s technology landscape and by extension Africa have spanned decades and fundamentally reshaped the nation’s digital infrastructure.

From pioneering indigenous computer manufacturing through Zinox Technologies to driving digital transformation across public and private sectors, Ekeh has consistently demonstrated a commitment to building sustainable technological capacity within Nigeria.

His investments in digital infrastructure, talent development, and indigenous innovation have positioned Nigeria as a formidable player in the global technology landscape.

This scholarship programme represents the latest chapter in that transformative journey, directly addressing the critical need for skilled technology professionals in an increasingly digital global economy.

As anticipation builds ahead of the April 27 launch, interested applicants are advised to visit the Konga.com website and click the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation banner on 1000 Tech Scholarships Awards where the application link and detailed participation guidelines will be published on the launch date.

The organisers have assured that the selection process will be merit-driven, inclusive, and transparent, with a focus on identifying truly outstanding young talents from across Nigeria’s diverse regions.

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As part of the initiative, globally renowned tech companies like Microsoft, Meta (Facebook), among others, are expected to certify the participating graduates who complete the programme.

Tagged the Imo Wealth Project, the humanitarian scheme is open to entrepreneurs, unemployed and underemployed graduates, as well as students in tertiary institutions across Imo State in their final year of studies.

The aim of the project is to create quality opportunities for the youths to reduce tension in each geo-political region in Nigeria, starting with Imo State in the South East.

The programme kicks off with a three-day mandatory on-boarding training programme scheduled to run daily from Tuesday, June 28 to Thursday, June 30, 2022 at the Imo State University Auditorium, Owerri, Imo State from which successful candidates would be selected. The programme kicks off by 9am each day, while accreditation of attendees holds from 8am.

Chairman, Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, will personally open the conference each day with a 15 minutes’ inspirational session.

A prospective candidate is only expected to attend one of the daily training sessions for a chance to be selected. Interested candidates are advised to register on the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation website to indicate their interest in participating. Registration and participation is free of charge for intending candidates.

Once successfully registered on the website, each candidate would be assigned a specific day on which to attend the training programme.

The training sessions will witness masterclasses from a carefully selected faculty of world class resource persons.

Among other things, participants would be exposed to mentorship sessions, a finishing school class, knowledge empowerment and business success sessions.

Outstanding entrepreneurs who make the final cut stand a chance to gain access to interest-free loans to grow their business, while others will be exposed to employment opportunities in their areas of competencies.

Thousands of prospective candidates are expected to take part in the training sessions for the Imo Wealth Project which commences next week at the Imo State University Auditorium.

Notably, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation is partnering with several tertiary institutions, including the Imo State University, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede; Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Imo State University of Agriculture and Federal University of Technology, Owerri to train and certify qualified Imo graduates.

The foundation has commenced equipping these institutions with best-in-class digital tools, starting with the Imo State University and plans to do same in a state in each geo-political region in Nigeria, if the Imo project is a success.

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The facility, donated by Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, chairman of Zinox Group and Founder of LSEF, was commissioned on his behalf by the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu.

The centre is equipped with the latest Zinox computers, powered by the iPower renewable energy suite, which features high-performance solar panels and certified lithium batteries.

It is also connected to a 24-hour, non-disruptive satellite internet service powered by Starlink, a service that the LSEF has committed to funding for the next five years.

According to Mr. Ekeh, the Tech Experience Centre is dedicated to the use of students and knowledge workers at FUB, with the aim of equipping them with the digital skills and resources required to compete with their peers globally and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

This centre is one of several cutting-edge technology hubs donated by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to tertiary institutions across Nigeria. It supports the Federal Government’s vision to upgrade the nation’s higher institutions to world-class standards.

For over 25 years, Mr. Ekeh and the Zinox Group have consistently invested in promoting digital education by donating tech laboratories and innovation hubs.

In recent years, the Foundation has delivered and equipped centres at St. Augustine University, Lagos, and Imo State University and refurbished older facilities it had donated in the past.

According to Mr. Ekeh, the next phase will see the Foundation extend similar interventions to secondary schools across the country.

He called on politicians, government agencies, and wealthy Nigerians to intentionally invest in the nation’s education sector, stressing that a well-educated populace is the Foundation for national development.

Mr. Ekeh expressed his appreciation to the Chairman of the University Council, the council members, Vice Chancellor Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, members of the University Management, staff, and students of FUB, as well as the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for their support in accommodating the LSEF’s vision.

Speaking on behalf of the university, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, Vice Chancellor of FUB, expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Ekeh and the LSEF for the generous donation.

“This Tech Experience Centre will make a remarkable difference in the academic and research output of our students and staff. We are grateful for Mr. Ekeh’s vision, generosity, and long-standing contributions to this institution and to digital education in Nigeria. This facility is more than a building with computers; it is an investment in the future of our graduates and the growth of our nation.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the commissioning, Mr. Chimezie Orisakwe, head of Corporate Communications for the Zinox Group, highlighted Mr. Ekeh’s sustained promotion of digital learning across Nigeria, from interventions in the media sector to landmark projects with the media, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Population Commission (NPC), and others.

He also highlighted Mr. Ekeh’s reflection on the current state of Nigeria’s education sector, warning that many institutions, both public and private, face severe funding deficits.

This, he noted, raises the risk of closures, which would deprive graduates of the enduring legacy of their alma maters.

To address these challenges, the Zinox Chairman proposed that the Federal Government adopt a college system and reclassify existing universities.

He recommended granting approvals for specialized professional colleges affiliated with reputable universities, similar to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) model with the University of Lagos.

Ekeh emphasized that the quality of an institution’s academic content now matters more than its physical size.

Those passionate about establishing tertiary institutions must be focused on their core mission, be willing to invest adequately, and possess the mental and financial capacity to sustain standards.

He further urged that educational institutions be regulated even more stringently than banks, given their central role in producing the human capital that drives both the public and private sectors.

“Educational institutions are not limited liability companies that can be liquidated at will. Their true profit is not in short-term returns but in the quality of graduates they produce, men and women who can lead this nation and give back to the institutions that shaped them,” Ekeh stated.

The donation to FUB is the latest in a long list of interventions by the Zinox Group to support Nigeria’s technological advancement.

Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, the Group has also funded thousands of scholarships, donated modern digital learning facilities nationwide, extended non-interest loans to budding entrepreneurs, and supported churches, hospitals, and humanitarian causes.

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He stressed that Ekeh’s commitment to empowering Imo youths is in alignment with the Shared Prosperity Initiative of his administration, hence he enjoins other wealthy Imolites to embrace the ideas and initiatives to better the state.

The Governor made this call at the Imo State University, Owerri, weekend during the graduation ceremony of the Trainees of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Free Entrepreneurship Programme.

The Governor, who is the Visitor of the University, was represented at the event by his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru.

The Governor was delighted to witness the auspicious occasion, as he warmly welcomed Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and other invited guests to Imo state, while congratulating the graduands and encouraging them to make good use of the skills acquired during the training and opportunities provided by the foundation.

“I am delighted to stand before you at this auspicious occasion to welcome Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and other invited guests to Imo state.

“In the same vein, I wish to congratulate the graduands of the special Free Entrepreneurship Programme, organized by Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation and powered by our very own Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman, Zinox Group, African Leading Technology Icon, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, who, incidentally, is from our dear state, Imo”, the Governor said.

“Chief Leo Stan Ekeh has defied a popular saying by Zig Ziglar, who opined that “you don’t build a business, you build people, people then build the business”. Our Leo Stan Ekeh has built businesses, built and still building people, who have built and still building businesses. My beloved brother, Leo Stan, may God continue to expand your coast as you navigate the business world, building people and businesses and bringing succour to many indigent homes”, the Governor added.

To the beneficiaries of the programme, he said, “our maiden graduands, as you are empowered today, having been trained in Mordern Etiquette, Entrepreneurship, Business Law, Career Planning, E-Commerce, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and so on, the sky is your limit. Therefore, go and explore the world, full of opportunities”

The Governor also likened the activities of Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to the ideas of his Shared Prosperity Administration, as he remarked,

“this laudable programme is very much in sync with the Shared Prosperity Initiatives of my administration, especially, in the area of Youth Empowerment, and our government will continue to have a robust partnership with the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, like we had in the SkillUp Imo Programme, in order to continue in our efforts to physically and digitally convey wealth and prosperity to the door step of every Imolite”.

The Governor however, submitted by thanking the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation for choosing the Imo State University for the maiden innovative free entrepreneurship program, while calling other well-to-do Imolites to emulate Chief Leo Stan Ekeh and key into the Shared Prosperity ideas and initiative of his administration.

He also appreciated the students, staff and management of Imo State University, especially, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. U. U Chukwumaeze, SAN, for graciously accommodating the Foundation’s Center, for the empowerment of Imo Youths and overall betterment of our dear state.

The Founder and Chairman of the Foundation, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, who was in company of his amiable wife, Mrs Chioma Ekeh, in his address, generously appreciated the Imo State Governor, Dist. Sen. Hope Uzodimma, for providing him with the enabling environment and opportunity to contribute his own quota to the state and for always supporting and recommending him to the world, at every given opportunity, while pledging his unwavering commitment to supporting Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration and unrelentingly carve his name in the hearts of the good people of Imo state and beyond.

The Technology guru and icon, Chief Leo Stan, also enjoined the graduands to focus on their goals for a brighter future, following their training and empowerment, through hardwork and perseverance, then ensure they give back to the society once God blesses them with wealth.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. U. U Chukwumaeze, speaking earlier, also expressed his gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for always supporting him and the University while thanking Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, for bringing the life changing opportunity to Imo State University while he holds sway as the Vice Chancellor.

The high points of the occasion was the gifting of all the graduands, a working Zinox tablets by the Foundation, as announced by the Chairman, Chief Ekeh and the presentation, on behalf of the students, staff and management of the Imo state University, of a beautiful picture portrait by the Imo Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, to Chief Leo Stan Ekeh.

Other dignitaries at the event were; the Commissioner for Tertiary and Technical Education, Prof. Victor Nwachukwu, represented by Director of the Department, Mrs Nkechi M. Eke, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir (Barr) Tobechi Ekomaru, Director-General, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, Engr. Amasike Emelonye, Director, Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Center, IMSU, Prof. Gloria Chimeziem Earnest-Samuel, the Chairman, Mbaitoli Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Eze George Ekeh, All the Principal Officers of the University and members of the Academia.

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