In a significant move to commemorate his 70th birthday on February 22, 2026, the Chairman of Zinox Group and renowned tech entrepreneur, Leo Stan Ekeh, has announced a ₦10 billion investment to provide university scholarships for 1,000 indigent Nigerian “wiz-kids.”
Choosing to forego a traditional lavish celebration, Ekeh is channeling these funds through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to empower brilliant students from low-income backgrounds.
The initiative specifically targets children whose parents earn below Government Level 10 or its private-sector equivalent, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent the nation’s brightest minds from pursuing high-level education.
The scholarship program is focused on Computer Science degrees at various federal universities across Nigeria, with the first batch of beneficiaries expected to begin their studies this September.
Beyond covering tuition and academic costs, the program is designed to create a pipeline of globally competitive “Tech Citizens” through a structured 10-year project.
Don’t Miss This: Dangote Group unveils firm’s Vision 2030 roadmap
Every student will be paired with a tech industry mentor from their first year of study, and the foundation plans to partner with the Computer Society of Nigeria to provide vocational training and professional exposure.
Ekeh has stated his expectation for these scholars to achieve first-class degrees and eventually “disrupt the global wealth equation” in favor of Nigeria.Crucially, the program does not bond the beneficiaries to the Zinox Group upon graduation, allowing them the freedom to apply their skills across both the public and private sectors to strengthen Nigeria’s “tech independence.”
This massive philanthropic effort follows other major initiatives by Ekeh, such as the TD Africa Project, which aims to produce 10,000 female tech experts.
The full details of the scholarship portal and the comprehensive application process are scheduled for an official online unveiling on April 22, 2026.
Social Media Ready Post A ₦10 Billion Birthday Legacy for 1,000 Nigerian Wiz-Kids! 🇳🇬💻Leo Stan Ekeh, the visionary Chairman of Zinox Group, is marking his 70th birthday with a historic ₦10 billion commitment to Nigeria’s future.
Instead of a mega party, he’s launching a massive scholarship drive to send 1,000 indigent but brilliant students to Federal Universities to study Computer Science.
Don’t Miss This:Dangote Group unveils firm’s Vision 2030 roadmap
This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s a 10-year mission to build “Global Tech Citizens.” The program targets students from low-income families (parents earning below Level 10) and provides full academic support plus professional mentorship from day one.
There is no bonding involved the goal is simply to empower these young geniuses to defend Nigeria’s tech independence and lead the digital economy.
The first cohort starts this September! If you or a “wiz-kid” you know fits the bill, get ready the full application portal and package details will be revealed online on April 22, 2026. Happy 70th Birthday to a leader who chooses legacy over luxury!
Image Credit: LIB
Source: LIB
