The Chairman of the Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh has urged the Federal Government to prioritize affordable electricity for the nation’s educational and research institutions. His message resonated with participants at the 19th International Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in Kano, who acknowledged that unreliable and costly power is a major obstacle to innovation and digital progress.
Ekeh argued that targeted subsidies for universities, polytechnics, and research centers are essential for Nigeria’s future. He stressed that a lack of consistent power prevents students and faculty from having uninterrupted access to the digital tools needed to compete in a knowledge-driven global economy.
He highlighted the dire situation, noting that less than 5% of educational institutions nationwide can afford to power their campuses for even six hours a day. The high cost of electricity makes effective digital learning nearly impossible, leaving under-resourced knowledge workers unable to access global online content.
Ekeh emphasized that this lack of power ultimately impacts the quality of graduates, stating that even those with digital devices often go for weeks without being able to recharge them. He concluded that investing in power subsidies is a crucial step toward improving the skills of graduates, allowing them to compete as global citizens.
Beyond the issue of power, Ekeh’s remarks also touched on the need to strengthen local manufacturing, enhance digital literacy, and foster private sector partnerships to accelerate Nigeria’s technological growth. He reminded the conference that true digital transformation requires deliberate domestic investment in both human capital and infrastructure.
“At Zinox, we have been taking a lot of pains to uphold global standards,” Ekeh said, emphasizing his company’s readiness to support governments and corporations in the “digital race powered by AI.” He added that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, and by combining technology with its large population, it can ensure that wealth becomes a right for over 75% of its citizens. He concluded by calling tech businesses “the most cost-effective and sustainable option” for investment, with highly rewarding returns.