*Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Forbes Best of Africa leading Tech Icon, philanthropist and Chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, donates modern tech training centres to Imo State University, in Owerri, and St. Augustine University, Epe, in Lagos State, to equip students with essential skills and specialised courses in emerging techs and AI Viability to excel in chosen fields and evolve a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Forbes Best of Africa leading Tech Icon, philanthropist and Chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, has donated a state-of-the-art training centres to Imo State University (IMSU), in Owerri, Imo State capital, and St. Augustine’s University, Ilara-Epe, in Lagos State.

The two technology centres named the 鈥淟eo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) Centre鈥�, was unveiled Thursday, April 4, 2024, at a grand ceremony held at the respective tertiary learning institutions in Nigeria.

绿帽献妻 reports Dr. Ekeh, in a statement issued Thursday, noted that the two events were graced Thursday by their respective Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors (DVCs), Senate and Governing Council Members, and very esteemed academics of the respective institutions.

The expert stated 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 programmes, he noted, include the Finishing School, Entrepreneurship Boost Training, and specialised courses in Technology and Artificial Intelligence Viability.

鈥淏y 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.

鈥淭he LSEF Centre, IMSU shall connect with achieved private sectors leaders across the world who shall with the power of technology deployed at the centre inspire and instigate success revolution in Imo State,鈥� stated he.

Select students also shall have the opportunity to develop well-rounded skillsets that will propel them towards success in their chosen career paths.

Appreciation by Universities鈥� authorities

Speaking at the programme in Owerri, Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze (SAN), Vice-Chancellor of IMSU, hailed Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for executing the futuristic knowledge centre.

The Vice-Chancellor also also informed the full house of how the tech icon has intervened every time the institution needed help, including the recent intervention with a large number of computers for the institution to scale Accreditation with the regulatory authorities.

In her remarks, Prof. Gloria Ernest Samuel, Director of the LSEF Centre at IMSU, also said Dr. Ekeh paid attention to details in setting up the Centre, including chatting with her on Saturdays and Sundays in connection with the tech project.

Prof. Samuel stated: 鈥淚t 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 is interested in content and not brick and mortar.鈥�

Besides, the St. Augustine’s University centre, Ilara-Epe, in Lagos State, is also a great display of the power of technology, equipped with top-of-the-range of All-in-One Zinox Computers, Tablets, Smart Boards, etc, noted the statement.

In his vote of thanks at the launch of the Centre Thursday, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, Vice- Chancellor, talked about spirituality of commitment from Dr. Ekeh to lift the younger ones.

Prof. Odetunde stated: 鈥淭his was a recent promise kept beyond our expectation and prayed that the country should be filled with persons like Dr. Ekeh.鈥�

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Steve Omojiafor, Chairman of Board of Trusties of the academic institution, who recounted Dr. Ekeh鈥檚 quiet style of interventions, affirmed that he was sure the tech expert should remember the institution one day in his philanthropic ventures in Nigeria.

鈥淚 am very happy he has and prayed God to continue to bless him more,鈥� stated Omojiafor.

AI powered from Zinox Group Headquarters live

It is equally noted that the most interesting part of commissioning of the two tech centres same day, within same time was the use of quality Artificial Intelligence (AI) deployed at these centres.

The statement disclosed the AI was remotely powered from Zinox Group Headquarters (Yudala Heights) on Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, in Lagos, where Dr. Ekeh was sitting and monitoring happenings on the two campuses, and delivered his short speeches.

According to Dr. Ekeh, he remains consistent with his time-tested statement, that 鈥渉e is determined to build a new generation of Nigerians who shall have the capacity to alter their destinies and defend their wealth.鈥�

The expert also assured both institutions鈥� Management teams that he would turn the centres, within two years, into 鈥渃omplete AI-powered centres鈥�, so that every student, before matriculation must spend eight hours at these centres.

Dr. Ekeh鈥檚 commitment to advancing education, youth empowerment

Ekeh’s philanthropic gesture underscores 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.

As a true pioneer in the Nigerian and African technology space, Dr. Ekeh has earned an indelible reputation for his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing the continent’s digital infrastructure.

It is also noted that his accomplishments extend far beyond the LSEF Centre donation. Notably, has 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 led numerous groundbreaking initiatives which have revolutionised the continent’s technological landscape. Ekeh, a renowned philanthropist and strong advocate for youth empowerment, through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, 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, Dr. Ekeh has expressed his profound belief in the power of education to transform lives and drive socio-economic development.

He as well emphasised the importance of equipping students with relevant skills and competencies to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.

The tech icon stated: 鈥淭his 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.鈥�

Through this philanthropic initiative, Ekeh maintains he hopes to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

The LSEF Centre, therefore, serves as a beacon of opportunity, empowering students at Imo State University to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.

鈥淭he establishment of the LSEF Centre marks a significant milestone in Imo State University’s journey towards academic excellence and innovation.

鈥淎s 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,鈥� the statement noted.

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