Francis Nkemdirim Egede: The Teacher Who Never Stopped Teaching

Recognised by Nkuzify as Distinguished Teacher of the Year.

I met Francis Nkemdirim Egede at M.O.G. Lesson Center, at Emene Central School in Emene, Enugu State, and I have known him ever since. Some people finish one chapter and close the book. Francis keeps writing new ones.

Where the story began

Francis is a teacher first in my memory. We shared a lesson centre, and the friendship that began there outlived the room. He proved something I believe: you can keep teaching while building something far bigger than a classroom.

A scholar who keeps collecting knowledge

He earned his BSc at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) and his master's degree at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK). He has gone on collecting certificates and training from many schools and firms, including the University of Lagos (UNILAG), online programmes from McKinsey, and courses on Coursera. Learning is something he never stopped doing.

A career in energy

Francis works at NNPC Limited in Lagos. His profile reads like a map of how serious businesses run: energy investment management, procurement, contracting, strategic sourcing, risk management, negotiation, cost optimisation and quality management. He is passionate about sales, marketing, supply chain and product management, and he has built a following of thousands of professionals on LinkedIn.

Teaching through Rotary

Francis is a Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) with the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro, part of Rotary District 9112, one of two districts created in 2024 when District 9110 was split into 9111 and 9112. In his club he serves as Youth Service Chair and Project Lead. You can follow the two districts on Instagram, and learn about the wider movement at Rotary International.

He led the club's inter-school debate on how Artificial Intelligence will shape our future. Students from different schools stood up, argued their points and learned to speak in public. In his closing speech, he thanked the club's President, Alexander Chukwu, and Immediate Past President, Gbolahan Adeyinka, and said he learnt a whole lot from the students and looked forward to having them again next year. That is a teacher's heart, even in a suit and a Rotary pin.

The builder behind KapKon Group

Francis is also the owner of KapKon Group, a conglomerate of brands:

• KapRide: smart mobility and sustainable logistics
• KapMart: local produce and goods delivered to your door
• KapGad: smart gadgets, smarter living
• KapTok: conversations that move industries
• KapHauz: the home of every KapKon division
• KapThink: research, insight and enterprise innovation

Nkuzify Tech built the KapKon Group website, and we are still working with him and his brands today. Our story with Francis runs on both sides of the classroom door: he was my colleague, and now he is our partner.

What he taught me

Francis showed me that a teacher is not a person who stays in one place. He teaches, he leads, he builds, and he still makes time for young people. When I think of a teacher who refuses to be limited by one title, I think of him.

Thank you, Francis

Nkuzify recognises him this Teachers' Day, and we are proud to call him a friend.