The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUB) has received a significant boost in its quest to produce globally competitive graduates, following the donation of a multimillion-naira Tech Experience Centre by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF).

The facility, donated by the Chairman of Zinox Group and Founder of LSEF, Leo Stan Ekeh, was commissioned on his behalf by the President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Dr Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu.

The centre is equipped with the latest Zinox computers, powered by the iPower renewable energy suite, which features high-performance solar panels and certified lithium batteries. It is also connected to a 24-hour, non-disruptive satellite internet service powered by Starlink, a service that the LSEF has committed to funding for the next five years.

According to Ekeh, the Tech Experience Centre is dedicated to the use of students and knowledge workers at FUB, to equip them with the digital skills and resources required to compete with their peers globally and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic development.

This centre is one of several cutting-edge technology hubs donated by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation to tertiary institutions across Nigeria. It supports the Federal Government’s vision to upgrade the nation’s higher institutions to world-class standards.

For over 25 years, Ekeh and the Zinox Group have consistently invested in promoting digital education by donating tech laboratories and innovation hubs. 

In recent years, the Foundation has delivered and equipped centres at St. Augustine University, Lagos, and Imo State University and refurbished older facilities it had donated in the past.

According to the Zinox Chairman, the next phase will see the Foundation extend similar interventions to secondary schools across the country.

He called on politicians, government agencies, and wealthy Nigerians to intentionally invest in the nation’s education sector, stressing that a well-educated populace is the Foundation for national development.

Ekeh expressed his appreciation to the Chairman of the University Council, the council members, Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Zaiyan Umar, members of the University Management, staff, and students of FUB, as well as the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for their support in accommodating the LSEF’s vision.

Speaking on behalf of the university, the VC of the FUB, expressed deep appreciation to Mr. Ekeh and the LSEF for the generous donation.

Speaking on the sidelines of the commissioning, Head of Corporate Communications for the Zinox Group, Chimezie Orisakwe, highlighted Mr. Ekeh’s sustained promotion of digital learning across Nigeria, from interventions in the media sector to landmark projects with the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Population Commission (NPC), and others.