Zinox founder inaugurates AI centres in schools

A proud moment from the commissioning of the new AI Technology Centres at Gbagada Senior Grammar School and Lanre Awolokun High School, Lagos

Zinox founder, Leo Ekeh, has commissioned artificial intelligence technology centres at two secondary schools in Lagos as part of an initiative to expand access to digital education and develop Nigeria’s next generation of technology talent.

The centres, established by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation in collaboration with companies within the Zinox Group, including Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies Ltd. and Konga Group, are located at Gbagada Senior Grammar School and Lanre Awolokun High School in Gbagada, Lagos.

Each centre is equipped with Zinox all-in-one desktop computers, interactive AI-enabled screens, 24-hour renewable-energy systems supplied by iPower and two years of satellite internet connectivity from Starlink.

The facilities are intended to give students and teachers access to digital learning resources and online educational platforms while integrating technology more closely into classroom activities.

Speaking at the commissioning, Ekeh, who doubles as Zinox chairman, urged students to take advantage of the technology and use their education to develop skills that could create economic opportunities.

He also called on the Federal Government and state governments to increase investment in education and improve the remuneration of teachers, arguing that better-supported educators are essential to raising the quality of learning in Nigeria.

“An angry or hungry teacher cannot deliver quality content to students. We must consciously raise the quality of education to save this nation,” Ekeh said.

The foundation also announced plans to provide full university scholarships and advanced technology training to students who distinguish themselves academically.

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According to the Director of Studies at the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, Dr George Emetuche, the organisation is working towards producing 1,000 technology-skilled young Nigerians with globally recognised qualifications.

The first group of scholarship beneficiaries has already secured admission to study computer science and computer engineering at universities across Nigeria, Emetuche said. The foundation plans to formally announce the beneficiaries at a later date.

The Gbagada centres are the latest in a series of education and technology projects undertaken by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation over the past 38 years. The foundation says it has completed 123 projects across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Its previous interventions include digital ICT centres at Imo State University, St. Augustine University in Epe, Lagos, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Bakambara Day Secondary School in Kebbi State and Holy Ghost College in Owerri, Imo State.

Ekeh, who has built his business interests around technology and digital infrastructure, said students benefiting from the new facilities should view education as a pathway to becoming globally competitive professionals and future wealth creators.

The latest investment comes as access to digital skills and technology-enabled education remains a key challenge for Nigeria, where a large and youthful population is increasingly entering an economy shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.