Zinox Chairman urges government to subsidise power for schools, boost digital innovation

At the 19th International Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) in Kano, Chairman of the Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, delivered a compelling goodwill message to the College of Fellows, calling on the Federal Government to make affordable electricity a top priority for educational and research institutions nationwide.

Ekeh’s remarks drew strong reactions from participants as he warned that unreliable and expensive power remains one of the biggest barriers to innovation, digital adoption, and the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s academic institutions.

He proposed targeted subsidies for universities, polytechnics, and research centres, stressing that uninterrupted access to power is essential for young Nigerians to leverage digital tools and infrastructure in a knowledge-driven global economy.

“Less than 5% of our educational institutions can afford to power their campuses for even six hours a day,” Ekeh noted. “With PHCN tariffs still too high, effective digital learning remains a dream for many. How can under-resourced knowledge workers teach students when they can’t even get online to access global content?”

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Highlighting the urgency of the issue, Ekeh pointed out that even students and lecturers with personal digital devices often go for weeks without being able to recharge them due to power shortages.

He stressed that such conditions undermine the quality of graduates Nigeria produces, limiting their ability to compete as global citizens.

Beyond the electricity crisis, the Zinox Chairman touched on broader priorities—strengthening local manufacturing, expanding digital literacy, and fostering private sector partnerships to accelerate Nigeria’s technological growth. His comments echoed the conference’s theme, “Intelligent, Secure and Sustainable Innovation for a Connected World.”

“At Zinox, we have consistently upheld global standards, as reflected in our international certifications,” Ekeh said. “We are ready, both technically and financially, to support corporations and governments in this digital race driven by AI. If we fail to act now, Africa risks permanent marginalization on the global stage.”

Ekeh also issued a challenge for the next half-decade: “The next five years are critical for Nigeria’s emergence as a leading nation. If we combine common sense with technology and harness our large population, wealth can become a right for over 75% of Nigerians. Investing in tech is the most cost-effective and sustainable path forward, and the returns will be immense.”

His address set the tone for vigorous discussions throughout the conference, underscoring the shared responsibility of industry leaders, policymakers, and academia in building a sustainable, innovation-driven technology ecosystem for Nigeria’s future.