The facilities, established by the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation in partnership with companies within the Zinox Group, including Task Systems, TD Africa, Zinox Technologies Ltd. and Konga Group, are located at Gbagada Senior Grammar School and Lanre Awolokun High School, both in Gbagada, Lagos.
The new centres are designed to integrate digital technology into classroom learning while giving students and teachers access to online educational resources and other technology-enabled learning platforms.
Each facility is equipped with Zinox all-in-one desktop computers and interactive artificial intelligence-enabled screens. The centres also have 24-hour renewable-energy systems supplied by iPower and two years of satellite internet connectivity provided by Starlink.
The combination of computing facilities, reliable power and internet access is intended to address some of the practical barriers that can limit the use of digital learning tools in schools.
Speaking at the commissioning, Ekeh urged students to make productive use of the facilities and use their education to acquire skills that could create opportunities for them in the future.
The Zinox chairman also called for greater investment in the education sector by both the Federal Government and state governments, particularly in the welfare and remuneration of teachers.
He argued that the quality of education could not be separated from the conditions under which teachers work.
“An angry or hungry teacher cannot deliver quality content to students. We must consciously raise the quality of education to save this nation,” Ekeh said.
Beyond the provision of infrastructure, the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation said it was developing a scholarship and technology-training programme for high-performing students.
Under the initiative, students who distinguish themselves academically will have the opportunity to receive full university scholarships as well as advanced technology training.
The foundation's Director of Studies, Dr George Emetuche, said the organisation's broader objective was to produce 1,000 young Nigerians with technology skills and globally recognised qualifications.
Emetuche disclosed that the first set of scholarship beneficiaries had already gained admission to study computer science and computer engineering at universities across Nigeria. He said the foundation would formally announce the beneficiaries at a later date.
The new facilities in Gbagada form part of a wider education intervention programme undertaken by the foundation over the past 38 years.
According to the foundation, it has completed 123 projects across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in different parts of Nigeria.
Its previous interventions include digital ICT centres at Imo State University, St. Augustine University in Epe, Lagos, Federal University Birnin Kebbi, Bakambara Day Secondary School in Kebbi State and Holy Ghost College in Owerri, Imo State.
Ekeh, whose business interests have been closely associated with technology and digital infrastructure, said the beneficiaries of the new centres should look beyond the immediate educational benefits and see technology as a pathway to global competitiveness.
He encouraged the students to develop the knowledge and skills required to participate in an increasingly digital economy and potentially become future wealth creators.
The investment comes at a time when digital skills, reliable internet access and technology-enabled learning are becoming increasingly important to Nigeria's large and youthful population.
As artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape workplaces and industries, initiatives that expose students to computing, digital resources and practical technology skills are increasingly being positioned as part of the preparation needed for the country's future workforce.