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.

Instead of hosting a lavish celebration to mark his milestone birthday, Ekeh is committing to fund 1,000 university scholarships for indigent Nigerian students to study Computer Science in federal universities across the country.

The initiative, he says, is designed to build a new generation of tech-driven leaders who can strengthen Nigeria’s public and private sector competitiveness.

According to Ekeh, the beneficiaries “who will not be bonded, shall disrupt global wealth equation in favour of Nigeria and defend our tech independence.”

Selection criteria and structure

Selection for the scholarship will be based on a nationwide assessment of minimum Intelligent Quotient (IQ) and age.

The programme targets students from poor homes and families whose parents earn below Government Level 10 or its equivalent in the private sector.

Beyond tuition support, the initiative is structured as a holistic development pipeline. Beneficiaries will be exposed to global standards, mentorship, and multi-disciplinary learning beyond core technology studies.

Speaking in a phone interview, Ekeh said:

“Each shall have a tech mentor from year one, as I plan a partnership with Computer Society of Nigeria and every vocation they shall be engaged resourcefully. Beneficiaries shall be from poor homes and those with parents who earn below Government Level 10 and its equivalent in the private sector.

The first batch starts this September, and I expect each to earn first class degree. This is my Group of companies’ and my little way of appreciating my country, individuals and corporates that gave us the opportunities in the last 40 years and still patronizing our Tech Group, Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies, Konga etc. If we are successful with this spiritual mandate, I can then celebrate my 100 years on earth with a bang. With God and AI, I am aiming to make 120 years.”

Why Ekeh believes Nigeria must act now

Ekeh, who has largely avoided elaborate birthday celebrations in the past, says the decision aligns with his long-standing belief that technology remains Nigeria’s most realistic pathway to economic transformation.

“We need quality and tech-savvy wiz-kids who can drive the future of government and e-governance and those who will become change-makers in the private sector,” he said.

He warned that Nigeria risks technological dependency if it fails to deliberately build indigenous talent capable of managing the anticipated expansion in oil and gas, banking, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, entertainment, and the public sector over the next decade.

“I have been blessed and bruised in this country and I thank God. Frankly, I don’t see enough Nigerian tech wiz-kids who can defend the massive development anticipated in the next 5 – 10 years… We are becoming slaves in our own country in a knowledge century which is unfortunate.

…only four God-anointed tech wiz-kids can alter the GDP of this country in five years. The man who controls your tech resources decides your profit level and how far your country and corporations can grow in this second quarter of the 21st Century and in future.”

The tech entrepreneur, who was decorated as “Icon of Hope” by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003, added:

“The future is here but very fragile and disruptive, it’s either you are something or nothing at all. No middle ground. We need to alter the digital trajectories of our people. Technology is realistically the only profession in the world today that can alter the destiny of brilliant and humble kids from poor families and position them as huge wealth creators and sustainers.

Though I am not really from a very poor family, but I am a testimony and shall tell the whole story in my book that shall be published last quarter of 2027. It shall be most revealing.

This is my additional contribution amongst others to appreciate Nigerians, the Federal Government, sub- nationals and corporations that have been supporting my tech commitments and innovations on this side of the Atlantic.”

Cost implications and long-term commitment

On the financial commitment required to execute the project, Ekeh described it as “a spirit-driven project.”

“It is a spirit-driven project to thank those who supported and are still supporting companies within the Zinox Group. It has an annual cost that shall run into billions of Naira and my group is committed to it amongst other social responsibility projects like TD Africa Project to produce 10,000 female tech experts out of which 400 have graduated and are fully employed in different corporates in Nigeria. This is a 10-year project with other perks. The full package shall be revealed online on April 22, 2026.”

The scholarship scheme adds to a portfolio of human capital development initiatives undertaken by Ekeh and the Zinox Group over the past four decades.

His companies have trained over 3,000 Nigerians and donated tech centres to more than 25 institutions nationwide.

Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) and affiliated companies, the group has also launched entrepreneurship centres at St. Augustine University, Epe; Federal University, Birnin Kebbi; and Imo State University (IMSU), among others. These centres focus on upskilling young Nigerians, providing stipends, mentorship, digital devices, and in some cases, interest-free loans to support business take-off.

A philosophy of capitalism with empathy

Ekeh, a devout Catholic from Ubomiri in Imo State and former mass servant and chorister, has consistently drawn a distinction between profit and purpose.

He believes capitalism must wear a human face and often reiterates that no one comes into the world with cash nor leaves with it.

At the dedication of a church he built in his hometown, he reflected on his journey:

“I come from a lineage of people who served God dedicatedly. I think I am a miracle child… I saw myself as an only Child even though I have siblings and, as an orphan even though my parents were alive… so I decided to take the pain before pleasure alone.

I love God and will never hesitate to do anything in the service of God and humanity… As a mark of God’s mercy to me, I pay corporate tithes for all my companies. I didn’t read it in the Bible but I do it.”

He once told journalists:

“God is the architect of my success… As an entrepreneur, I have strategised, stayed up late, made projections but if there was no mercy of God and His grace to help me implement these, there will be no success… I work an average of 20 hours a day and near zero holidays and I have no health challenges.”

The bigger picture

For Ekeh, the 1,000-student scholarship programme is only “a tiny drop in the ocean” of his philanthropic commitments.

However, in the context of Nigeria’s widening digital skills gap and increasing dependence on foreign expertise, the initiative could represent a strategic intervention, one aimed at shifting the country from tech consumption to tech sovereignty.

As Nigeria grapples with AI disruption and global economic realignment, Ekeh’s 70th birthday may ultimately be remembered less for the age milestone and more for the human capital investment he hopes will outlive him.

The event, a masterclass in leveraging technology for competitive advantage, was designed to explore the transformative potential of Microsoft Copilot.

The gathering brought together industry experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers, all eager to discover the myriad possibilities that Microsoft Copilot offers.

Held in a collaborative atmosphere, the organisers engaged attendees in thought-provoking presentations, panel discussions, and break-out sessions tailored to the unique needs of various roles, including CTOs, CFOs, and HR Managers.

The event commenced with an inspiring opening speech by Mrs. Gozy Ijogun, the managing director of Task Systems.

She warmly welcomed the guests with a blend of eloquence and passion and shared a brief history of Task Systems.

Mrs. Ijogun highlighted the company’s mission to empower businesses with the right tools, a mission that has seen Task Systems evolve into a trusted tech solution provider beyond sub-Saharan Africa.

She further emphasized that Copilot is not just a tool but a strategic enabler that allows executives, industry leaders, and, in fact, anyone, to streamline operations and maximize impact.

Thereafter, Mrs. Olatomiwa William, Microsoft’s country manager for Nigeria and Ghana,  took the stage, expressing her gratitude to Task Systems for orchestrating such a pivotal event. She delved into the capabilities of Copilot, urging participants to leverage this powerful tool to achieve unprecedented productivity.

“Copilot enables you to focus on what is important by allowing you to use your creativity in a way that creates meaning and impact,” she noted, encapsulating the essence of the event.

Mr. Timothy Lothering followed with a succinct yet insightful presentation. He delved into the technical and strategic advantages of Copilot, shedding light on its functionalities and how it can revolutionize business operations.

His presentation was a catalyst for the engaging discussions that ensued, with participants eager to delve deeper into the practical applications of Copilot.

The event was not just about discussions and presentations; it also featured games that added a layer of excitement.

Participants had the opportunity to win cutting-edge gifts, further enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. For many attendees, the insights and tools provided by Task Systems and Microsoft will undoubtedly serve as invaluable assets in tackling operational challenges and optimising productivity.

As the event drew to a close, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, the founder and chairman of Task Systems, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks.

His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the power of tech to bring about economic transformation in Nigeria.

He expressed his gratitude to all the participants and partners, reaffirming Task Systems’ commitment to driving technological advancement and empowering businesses.

Task Systems continues to position itself as a leader in delivering cutting-edge ICT solutions, ensuring businesses are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape.

This collaboration with Microsoft underscores its dedication to empowering organizations with tools that drive transformation and success.