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Initiative Backed by TD Africa, Konga Group and Zinox Aims to Build Nigeria’s Next Generation of Digital Talent
The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, in partnership with TD Africa, Konga Group, Zinox Technologies, and Task Systems, has announced the official launch date for its landmark technology scholarship programme targeting 1,000 exceptional but indigent Nigerian youths.
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The dedicated application portal, earlier scheduled to go live on April 22, will now open on Monday, April 27, 2026, following final technical enhancements to ensure a secure, seamless, and transparent application process for candidates nationwide.
A Scholarship Rooted in Purpose, Not Ceremony
The initiative was first unveiled by Africa’s foremost technology entrepreneur and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, on February 22, 2025, to mark his 70th birthday. Rather than stage an elaborate celebration, Ekeh chose to redirect resources toward a long-term national development cause—providing full university scholarships for brilliant but underprivileged Nigerians to study Computer Science in federal institutions.
The programme reflects his enduring belief that sustainable national growth is driven by human capital development, particularly in high-impact fields such as digital technology.
Building on a Four-Decade Legacy of Talent Development
Over the past four decades, Ekeh and his companies have supported the training and empowerment of more than 6,700 young Nigerians. According to him, the scholarship initiative is designed to nurture a new generation of highly skilled technology professionals capable of strengthening both Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
The long-term objective is to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global digital economy by deliberately investing in indigenous talent and innovation capacity—an approach that aligns technology development with broader economic growth and GDP expansion.
Beyond Tuition: A Full Technology Ecosystem
Unlike conventional scholarship schemes, the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation programme goes beyond financial support. Beneficiaries will gain access to a structured ecosystem that includes:
- Technical support and hands-on exposure
- Mentorship from accomplished professionals, including members of the Nigeria Computer Society
- Industry immersion and career guidance
- Practical, market-relevant skills development
This holistic model is designed to ensure that recipients graduate not only with academic qualifications, but also with the professional competence, networks, and confidence required to thrive in today’s technology-driven economy.
Positioning Nigerian Youths for Global Competitiveness
By leveraging the combined expertise, infrastructure, and reach of its corporate partners, the initiative is expected to deliver a transformative learning experience. Beneficiaries are being prepared to emerge as future-ready innovators capable of driving digital transformation across sectors—from government and finance to commerce and industry.
The programme directly addresses Nigeria’s growing demand for skilled technology professionals at a time when digital capacity is increasingly linked to national competitiveness.
Extending a Transformational Technology Legacy
The scholarship builds on Leo Stan Ekeh’s long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. From pioneering indigenous computer manufacturing to supporting digital transformation across public and private institutions, his work has helped shape Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and technology narrative over several decades.
This latest intervention represents a strategic response to the urgent need for talent development in an increasingly digital global economy—placing young Nigerians at the centre of that future.
Application Process and Launch Details
Ahead of the April 27 launch, prospective applicants are advised to visit Konga.com, where a dedicated Foundation banner titled “1000 Tech Scholarships Awards” will provide access to the application portal and detailed participation guidelines.
The organisers have assured that the selection process will be merit-driven, inclusive, and transparent, with a strong emphasis on identifying outstanding young talents from across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
