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.

According to the insurance firm, this was done under the company volunteering programme, tagged AXA Hearts in Action, the initiative saw more than 100 employee of AXA donate blood during the drive.

AXA Hearts in Action (AHIA), is AXA’s global programme aimed at contributing to positive societal and environmental impacts through employee volunteering, and expertise related financial support and in-kind donations.

“Through the AHIA, our employees do not just give time to great causes; we work together for a better future.

We share our time, knowledge and expertise as a people with a shared purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters through initiatives like this”, said the Chief Client Officer, AXA Mansard,  Rashidat Adebisi.

Adebisi said the blood drive is a shining example of the philosophy in action, where collective contributions serve as a reminder that true impact often involves giving more than just money. It’s about putting one’s heart in action – an idea embedded in AXA’s corporate culture”.

Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer, AXA Mansard Health Limited, Tope Adeniyi, said  With hospitals frequently experiencing blood shortages, events like these serve as a lifeline for patients in need.

However, “We are proud to contribute to the local healthcare sector and provide much-needed support to hospitals such as LUTH, ensuring that they have resources essential to saving lives.”

The Head of Corporate Services and Public Relations at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Omolola Olubukunola Fakeye, also expressed gratitude, stating, “The generous support from AXA Mansard has made a meaningful difference to our blood bank and ultimately to the lives of patients.

Blood donations are invaluable in many critical treatments, and initiatives like AXA Mansard’s blood drive bring immense relief to healthcare system.

We are sincerely grateful for this partnership and the dedication of AXA Mansard’s employees.”

AXA Hearts in Action operates globally, she urging AXA employees everywhere to engage with and give back to their communities. Through diverse projects – from health initiatives like this blood drive and medical outreaches to environmental efforts like the AXA Week for Good “Trash-to-Treasure” waste management project – AXA staff have opportunities to make a lasting difference on issues that matter.

For AXA Mansard, every act of social service brings them closer to the communities they serve, helping build a world where giving back is not only about charity but about lasting, positive change.

Mr. Cruz made the statement on Friday November 10, during an inspection of the building by Airtel leadership, which also included Airtel Africa Non-Executive Directors.

“We are pleased to observe that the collaboration with LUTH has continued to touch the lives of so many Nigerians. The outstanding leadership of LUTH also deserves our commendation for how well they have kept the equipment and building for the past two years. Their approach is worthy of emulation,” Mr. Cruz said.

Recall that in 2021, Airtel embarked on an extensive renewal project at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), investing ₦200 million to renovate and upgrade the medical equipment as well as the physical architecture of WARD-A, which is a general ward at the institution.

This recent visit, which was to assess the continued impact of the revamped ward, also provided an opportunity for the Airtel executive team to engage with LUTH’s management, staff, and patients to evaluate how significantly the upgraded equipment and building ward have enhanced the delivery of healthcare services.

During the reception organized for the Airtel delegation by LUTH, Mr. Cruz reiterated Airtel’s commitment to impacting communities and improving the lives of the less advantaged.

“It is always a delight to contribute to the community in the best ways that we can, especially supporting government’s efforts to make society better. At Airtel, we have a strong belief contributing to the wellbeing of our countrymen, including anyone who is now able to benefit from LUTH as an institution.”

Professor Lanre Adeyemo, the acting Chief Medical Director of LUTH, reflected on the hospital’s journey since the renovation and noted that Airtel’s donation was a significant contribution to the hospital’s development.

“The impact of Airtel’s intervention is very visible,” he said, adding that, “Airtel has become a model of corporate social responsibility to other organizations that have also been inspired to take up projects in LUTH. Before Airtel’s renovation, Ward A, which had not seen any major renovation since it was built in 1962, was the worst of the blocks.”

He noted that since Airtel’s intervention in 2021, LUTH, which operates on a tripod of patient care, research, and training, has had over 800 inpatients while training several nurses, doctors, and dentists in the same period.

With proven track in Healthcare, tech, real estate, marketing and business, Tobechukwu has built a successful career over the last 13 years, consistently leveraging his first rate leadership and innovative thinking skills.

He is a visionary leader and a strategic thinker, who has an impressive track record of originating, executing and implementing successful business strategies. 

Tobechukwu is also passionate about giving back to his community and founded various charitable organizations i.e., the SPOCT foundation, Elfimo health outreach etc). He’s a gifted sportsman who has won several football tournaments home and abroad.

Tobechukwu Obikili is also passionate about politics where he founded the Nigerian Students Association at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. He was also elected to the position of Board of Directors of the UOIT Students Association where he led the implementation of policies to advance students well-being.

He is a highly respected and recognised professional, who is committed to playing his own part in the transformation of Nigeria and Africa at large. Ultimately, he’s intentional about making a positive difference in the world.

In this Q&A with TechEconomy, Tobechukwu Obikili, the CEO of Airmed:

The state of healthcare in Nigeria with particular reference to the COVID-19 era:

There has always been an issue in the healthcare space in Nigeria; the gaps are quite obvious. The gaps are either with the workforce, access to information, quality medication or service. As we speak things have become worse because a lot of healthcare workers are migrating to other countries.

It is not a hidden fact that our doctors are resigning and migrating to other places in better service atmosphere, and that is a very big problem for our country. For example, we have been trying to engage the services of corps members.

In the past, the NYSC would easily post a corps member; maybe a pharmacist or a doctor. Currently, they are being posted directly to the hospitals. And you will find out that even these hospitals face shortage of manpower, therefore, are is a great dearth of quality hands to train the fresh graduates/corps members.

Why Airmed?

There are lots of events that prompted me to venture into the healthtech space with Airmed. The basic thing is I understand the importance of using technology to fill-in the gaps (not just in the healthcare sector). Technology makes things easier. Some of the things that I found where the reasons for embarking on Airmed were; first, there was this incidence when we had taken our child to a hospital. Unfortunately, he was misdiagnosed; in less than a week we lost him.

Secondly, I lost some relatives to COVID-19, and I was deeply involved in giving care to some of them. I was contacted to find certain medications that could have helped them to survive, but it took me a longer time to find those medications. In fact, before I could find them, they had passed away.

So, a situation where someone lost both parents to COVID-19 and just little things like the provision of oxygen or an inhaler could probably made a difference. We had a neighbour who died of asthma attack because she did have access to maybe a panic button or someone who could have helped her get an inhaler, oxygen or even an ambulance.

So, there are many things that made me arrive at the decision to move into healthtech space. In addition, I came from a family of healthcare practitioners. My mum as a pharmacist, and uncles as doctors, helped to shape by thoughts about what technology can do in that space.

Also, my mum was involved in a pharmaceutical business. She started a retail pharmaceutical business in 1987 in Surulere by the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). But it is a bricks and mortar company of which after my studies in Canada I thought about how to infuse technology into the business. My goal was to help in continuing that business because I have seen impacts it has made. So, I moved back to the country in 2011 and have been part of running the company, especially in bringing technology to make it more seamless.

So, from the experiences I garnered from the retail pharmaceutical business I started building Airmed.

Airmed: The beginning and now, any changes?

We haven’t launched into the mass market, officially. We are currently at the Beta-testing and would appreciate the potential customers help us to test it. We want them to go ahead, order your medications; use the website and have a feel of it. A few people who have used the website have given positive reviews about the user interface (UI) and the website functionalities.

It has not always been this way because technology evolves; we have tried different hands, and means to deliver a topnotch service. Now, I think we have gotten to the point where we comfortable with what we have. We are making attempt to ‘run’ with it, probably, overtime there will be some modifications in the features.

Ideally, we want a situation people will be able to access medications and consultations from anywhere at any time.

As you trying to tackle issues around access to quality healthcare, of course, affordability is one of the major challenges. Do you plan to partner with other healthcare providers?   

We believe in partnerships. To start with, Airmed is partnering with Elfimo Pharmaceuticals and other pharmaceutical companies, because of the experience they had over the year. Elfimo is also a wholesale company which means they are able to access quality medications. This will enable us access quality medications at affordable prices. Airmed is not built just for the rich only; it is a solution that serves everybody.

How to access Airmed

Airmed has a website and an app. The app is available on Google Play Store presently while we are still working on the iOS for iPhone users.

How about the mode of payment on the platform?

We have variety of options for payments. We have also integrated a Paystack account both the website and the app.

How are you going to sort the delivery/logistics aspect of the business? Are you going to work with third-party delivery companies to ensure your customers receive speedy delivery?

We have partnered with a few delivery companies. We also have a partnership with GIG Logistics and we hope to on-board others to help in making our delivery process faster.

After sales support is key, not just in the healthcare, but across sectors, what is your plan for a topnotch customer support?

We are developing a process for customer service that will be available any time of the day. We believe is that the customer is the king and must be treated with utmost respect because without them there will be no business. We are going to have different channels through which they will reach us.

Sustainability is a major issue for most startups, how prepared are you to ensure Airmed stands the test of time?

What helps to sustain a business is borne out of passion, focus and dedication to the course. Although, people change directions mid-way into a business, this can also be caused by factors like realising that this is not something they can continue to do. It could be the decision to switch attention to a different direction, or the course is too big for them to handle. Sometimes, it is health challenge. Government policies can also led to such changes.

In my case, I have literally lived all my life in the medical space. I can’t predict about tomorrow, but I can tell you that presently Airmed is my passion. My goal is to ensure we bring positive change in healthcare in Nigeria. Being a victim of some of the inadequacies and knowing that the issues can reoccur, so I am motivated to help change the country by changing what industry at a time.

Are you currently speaking to investors?

Healthtech is a capital intensive project. I have solely financed the project till now. But I have come to the conclusion that the project is not something I can handle alone. So, at some point I would need partners and investors to come on board and we will take it to the next level. It is a dream I have been nurturing, and I have been taking my time to ensure a near-perfect system.

Airmed is going to be dealing with the medical records of individuals, what are you dealing with regards privacy and other related security matters?

In these days of cyber terrorism no body is really safe. The best thing we can do is to partner with cyber security companies. Already, we have an understanding with one of the global leading security companies to protect our backend and ensure safety of everyone that visits our channels.

You launched Airmed at the time some young people are migrating to Europe, America and other countries, what gives you the confidence to continue with the project?

First, I won’t blame anybody for relocating to other countries because love, security and the future of one’s self and family top every other thing. Everyone deserves peace of mind. For me, I have experienced life abroad; I lived in Canada for over 10 years. I understand what it means to live in an organised society. Coming back to Nigeria I realised we do not have another country to call ours. Truly, nobody will build your country for you. We need a few people with this understanding to build the country. It takes a strong will to stay back while others are migrating to foreign lands.