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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.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by equipping beneficiaries with practical skills to prepare them for careers in the technology sector.
The scholarship initiative was announced by Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, to 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.
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.
Under the agreement, the NCS will provide technical support and practical learning opportunities through experienced and certified technology professionals.
The programme will combine academic studies with industry exposure to strengthen students’ technical competence, problem-solving abilities and capacity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.
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.
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.
Aliyu expressed appreciation for Ekeh’s contributions to the NCS and reaffirmed the society’s commitment to initiatives that promote national development.
Representing Zinox Group, its Executive Director, Human Resources, Mrs. Chioma Nwoke, assured the Foundation and the NCS of the group’s continued support for the initiative across successive cohorts.
The partnership comes amid growing demand for technology professionals with practical skills as businesses and public institutions increasingly adopt digital solutions.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s pipeline of home-grown technology professionals, innovators and problem-solvers by expanding access to technology education and practical industry experience.
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.
