*Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, urges the Federal Government to prioritise affordable electricity for the country’s educational and research institutions for enhanced innovation, digital adoption, and global competitiveness in the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, has said unreliable and costly power supply remains one of the greatest obstacles limiting innovation, digital adoption, and global competitiveness of Nigerian institutions.

Ekeh stated this in his goodwill message to the College of Fellows during the 19th International Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), held in Kano, Kano State.

The Group noted the Chairman of Zinox Group’s remarks struck a chord with participants as he urged the Federal Government to prioritise affordable electricity for educational and research institutions across the country.

He equally stressed that unreliable and costly power supply has remained one of the greatest obstacles limiting innovation, digital adoption, and the competitiveness of Nigerian institutions over time.

Ekeh, therefore, urged the Nigerian Government to consider targeted subsidies for Universities, Polytechnics, and research centres to ensure that young Nigerians have uninterrupted access to the digital tools and infrastructure required to compete in a knowledge-driven economy.

Improving quality of Nigerian graduates to compete as ‘global citizens’

According to the Chairman of Zinox Group, less than five percent of educational institutions nationwide can afford to power their campuses for even six hours a day.

Likewise, Ekeh averred that the cost of electricity from Distribution Companies (DisCos) is very high for effective digital learning in the country.

He further explained that under such conditions, under-resourced knowledge workers could not access global content online to teach students.

Interventions of this nature, he noted, are urgently required to improve the quality of graduates the country expects to compete as global citizens.

According to Ekeh, even students and lecturers who have managed to acquire digital learning tools often go for weeks without being able to recharge their devices due to poor supply of electricity.

Besides power supply, Zinox Chairman also touched on broader critical issues, including the urgent need to strengthen local manufacturing, deepen digital literacy, and incentivise private sector partnerships to fast-track Nigeria’s technological growth.

Ekeh’s call resonated with the conference theme, “Intelligent, Secure and Sustainable Innovation for a Connected World”, as he reminded stakeholders that no country can achieve true digital transformation without deliberate domestic investment in human capital and infrastructure.

He stated:

“At Zinox, we have nothing to prove. We have been taking a lot of pains to uphold global standards, as demonstrated by our critical global certifications.

“I confidently vouch for all products supplied by the Zinox Group.”

Ekeh asserted: “We are fully equipped, both technically and financially, to support our corporations and governments at all levels in this digital race, powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“This is the only way Africa can take a leadership role; otherwise, we risk being permanently marginalised on the global stage.”

He said: “The next five years are critical for Nigeria’s emergence as one of the leading nations.

“If we combine common sense with technology, along with our large population, we can ensure that wealth becomes a right for over 75 percent of Nigerians.

“Investing in tech businesses is currently the most cost-effective and sustainable option, and the returns are sure to be highly rewarding.”

His message set the tone for robust conversations at the conference, the Group said.

Ekeh equally highlighted the role of industry leaders, government, and the academia in shaping a sustainable technology ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.

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