1,000 Tech Scholars to Benefit From Ekeh Foundation, NCS Partnership

The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) has partnered with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) to provide mentorship, technical training, and practical industry experience to 1,000 beneficiaries of its technology scholarship programme, in a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements in Nigeria's rapidly evolving technology sector.

The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in Abuja, will see the NCS provide technical support and practical learning opportunities through experienced and certified technology professionals. The programme is designed to equip beneficiaries with the practical skills needed to prepare them for careers in the technology sector, combining academic studies with industry exposure to strengthen students' technical competence, problem-solving abilities, and capacity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.

The scholarship initiative, announced by Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, will support indigent but exceptionally gifted Nigerian students studying Computer Science and other technology-related disciplines in federal and state universities, as well as polytechnics across the country. The programme will cover 1,000 students selected from Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, irrespective of ethnic background, ensuring that talented young Nigerians from every corner of the country have access to the opportunities they need to succeed.

Under the initiative, beneficiaries will receive financial support, technology training, and skills development from their first year through graduation. Each student will also be assigned a dedicated mentor to provide guidance throughout their academic journey. The mentorship component is designed to ensure that scholars do not navigate the challenges of their studies alone but have experienced professionals to turn to for advice, encouragement, and practical insights into the realities of the technology industry.

Speaking on the initiative, Director of LSEF, Dr. George Emetuche, said the programme would feature boot camps each semester to give beneficiaries opportunities to develop practical skills beyond the classroom. He explained that the objective was to ensure that students graduated with the competence required to become effective technology professionals capable of addressing real-world problems. "We want to produce graduates who are not just academically sound but also practically prepared for the demands of the industry," Emetuche said. "The boot camps and mentorship will ensure that our scholars have the skills and confidence to compete globally."

President of the NCS, Professor Muhammed Siraju Aliyu, described Ekeh as a nationalist who had consistently supported initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for Nigerians who might otherwise lack access. Aliyu noted that Ekeh's relationship with the society predated the scholarship programme and had contributed to technology advancement and human capital development. He also highlighted Ekeh's technology innovation programmes, which identify young people with ideas, support the development of their concepts, and provide opportunities for them to pitch to potential investors.

"Leo Stan Ekeh has been a consistent supporter of the NCS and a champion of technology development in Nigeria," Aliyu said. "This partnership is another demonstration of his commitment to building the next generation of Nigerian technology professionals."

Representing Zinox Group, its Executive Director of Human Resources, Mrs. Chioma Nwoke, assured the Foundation and the NCS of the group's continued support for the initiative across successive cohorts. She emphasised that Zinox Group was committed to ensuring that the programme achieved its objectives and made a lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.

The partnership comes amid growing demand for technology professionals with practical skills as businesses and public institutions increasingly adopt digital solutions. Nigeria's technology sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by a vibrant startup ecosystem, increased investment in digital infrastructure, and a youthful population eager to participate in the digital economy. However, the gap between the skills acquired in academic institutions and those required by employers has remained a persistent challenge, leaving many graduates ill-prepared for the demands of the modern workplace.

The LSEF-NCS initiative seeks to address this gap by complementing academic education with practical training, mentorship, and industry exposure. By providing scholars with the tools and guidance they need to succeed, the programme aims to strengthen Nigeria's pipeline of home-grown technology professionals, innovators, and problem-solvers, while supporting the development of a workforce capable of driving the country's digital transformation.

With beneficiaries drawn from across the federation, the programme is expected to widen opportunities for talented students while supporting the development of Nigeria's technology workforce. For the 1,000 young Nigerians who will benefit from this initiative, the scholarship represents far more than financial support; it is a gateway to a future in which their talents can be fully realised, and their contributions can help shape the future of Nigeria's technology industry.