The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) has donated a multi-million-naira Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology centre to Holy Ghost College, Owerri, in a move that could reshape digital education in South-East Nigeria.
The state-of-the-art facility was unveiled during the 77th anniversary celebration of Holy Ghost College and has already positioned the school among a growing number of Nigerian secondary institutions embracing technology-driven learning.
The centre, which was personally supervised from conception to completion by Leo Stan Ekeh, renowned Nigerian technology entrepreneur, is equipped with integrated all-in-one computers produced by Zinox Technologies, 24-hour solar-powered electricity, and high-speed Starlink corporate internet service that has been fully paid for over the next five years.
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The facility also features modern workstations, smart furniture and AI-enabled interactive screens designed to support real-time online tutorials and digital learning. The initiative is expected to expose students to emerging technologies and prepare them for opportunities in the global digital economy.
Speaking during the inauguration, Ekeh, an alumnus of Holy Ghost College and founder of the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, said the project was inspired by the need to equip young Nigerians with the skills required to compete globally.
According to him, the centre is designed to nurture a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs capable of driving economic growth and creating jobs.
“It is my prayer that this centre will produce Nigeria’s next generation of tech-driven billionaires who can create wealth, transform lives and alter the destinies of millions of Nigerians,” Ekeh said.
Reflecting on his own journey, he noted that many successful entrepreneurs of his generation built their careers with limited access to technology and infrastructure. He expressed confidence that today’s students have a greater opportunity to excel if given the right tools and guidance.
Ekeh revealed that plans are already underway to transform the centre into a certified technology training hub for global brands such as Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle and Starlink. He also disclosed that a director and other support personnel would be recruited to ensure efficient management and sustainability of the facility.
Beyond technical training, he said the foundation would introduce mentorship programmes focusing on leadership, ethics, communication skills and personal development to prepare students for future challenges.
The technology entrepreneur further disclosed that through the foundation and companies within the Zinox Group, similar educational interventions have been carried out in more than 123 primary, secondary and tertiary institutions across Nigeria since 1996.
He added that after completing several ongoing projects, the foundation would intensify implementation of its recently launched 1,000 Tech University Scholarships programme aimed at supporting indigent Nigerian students.
Ekeh also announced plans to renovate one of the school’s hostels and transform it into an intelligent hostel equipped with AI-enabled facilities. According to him, the initiative is intended to encourage academic excellence and healthy competition among students.
Describing the AI-Tech Centre as one of the first facilities of its kind in South-East Nigeria, Ekeh urged students to maximise the opportunities it offers.
“In the 21st century, ICT has become one of the greatest equalisers. Technology gives children from humble backgrounds the opportunity to compete globally and transform their destinies,” he said.
He encouraged students to apply for the ongoing scholarship programme being implemented through partnerships involving Zinox Technologies, TD Africa, Task Systems and Konga Group.
As a show of support for the initiative, Jerry Chukwueke, chairman of Germaine Group, donated N10 million to the school.
The facility was formally inaugurated by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, who praised Ekeh for what he described as a selfless commitment to education and youth development.
Ugorji said the project demonstrated genuine love for society and was not driven by political interests. He urged students to take ownership of the centre and ensure it is properly maintained.
“Protect this facility and use it to become experts in ICT and responsible leaders of tomorrow,” he told the students.
Samuel Agu, the principal of Holy Ghost College, described the donation as a transformative investment that would positively impact generations of students and produce future leaders across different sectors.
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Bernard-Thompson Ikegwuoha, Imo state commissioner for Primary and Secondary Education, commended Ekeh for contributing to the development of education in the state.
He described the businessman as a worthy ambassador of Imo State whose philanthropic efforts continue to support educational advancement and human capital development.
Industry observers believe the intervention highlights the growing role of private-sector investment in addressing gaps in Nigeria’s education system. With artificial intelligence and digital skills increasingly shaping the future of work, initiatives such as the Holy Ghost College AI-Tech Centre may help bridge the technology gap between Nigerian students and their counterparts in more advanced economies.
The project also reinforces the importance of partnerships between education and technology stakeholders in preparing young Nigerians for emerging opportunities in the global knowledge economy.
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