By 
By Osasome, C.O
Borno State has unveiled its first indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered humanoid robot, “Mazi Zulum,” as the state intensifies efforts to build a technology-driven economy and equip young people with future-ready digital skills.
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The humanoid robot was unveiled in Maiduguri during an event organised by the Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), in collaboration with Maxzeeton Technology and the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Technology Advancement Initiative (CATAI).
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The event also witnessed the induction of 100 Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence (DAAI) Fellows and the graduation of participants who completed a six-month AI Bootcamp.
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The development marks a significant milestone in Borno State’s digital transformation drive, with the state positioning artificial intelligence, robotics, data analytics and digital skills development as key pillars of its technology and youth empowerment agenda.
Borno Targets Technology and Innovation Leadership
Delivering his welcome address, BICTDA Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ahmed Kabir Wanori, described the event as a major step towards positioning Borno as a leading technology and innovation hub in Nigeria.
Quoting renowned computer scientist Alan Kay, who said, “The best way to predict the future is to invent it,” Wanori said the gathering represented more than a graduation ceremony, describing it as evidence of the state’s determination to build a future anchored on technology, education and innovation.
He said the graduation of the AI Bootcamp participants and induction of the DAAI Fellows demonstrated the Borno State Government’s strategic investment in building a digitally skilled workforce capable of competing in the global knowledge economy.
Wanori commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for prioritising digital transformation, youth development and innovation, saying the administration had created an enabling environment for technology-focused initiatives to grow.
He reaffirmed BICTDA’s commitment to expanding digital literacy, strengthening ICT infrastructure, promoting innovation and developing partnerships that provide young people with future-ready skills.
Borno to Establish Faculty of Computing
Speaking on behalf of Kashim Ibrahim University, the institution’s representative congratulated the newly inducted fellows and encouraged them to apply their knowledge responsibly in addressing societal challenges.
The representative stressed the importance of ethical AI development and responsible use of digital technologies, urging the graduates to become innovators who contribute positively to Borno State and Nigeria.
He also announced that Borno State University plans to establish a Faculty of Computing from the 2027/2028 academic session.
The faculty is expected to offer specialised programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Science, Software Engineering and Information Technology, further strengthening technology education and human-capital development in the state.
CATAI: AI Skills Can Transform Young Nigerians
Chief Executive Officer of CATAI, Abubakar Sadiq Muazu, described the programme as a celebration of resilience, innovation and collaboration.
Muazu commended BICTDA, Maxzeeton Technology and the Borno State Government for investing in young people and creating opportunities for them to acquire practical digital skills.
He said digitally skilled young people could compete in global markets, create employment and contribute to sustainable economic development.
BICTDA Sponsors Top AI Bootcamp Participants
The event also featured awards for outstanding participants in the AI Bootcamp competition.
The overall winner received a special award, while the second- and third-place winners received a laptop and tablet respectively, alongside other souvenirs.
BICTDA also announced sponsorship for the top 10 participants to attend three major national technology events — DigiTech Nigeria in Lagos, Digital Nigeria in Abuja and the National Cybersecurity Conference.
The initiative is expected to give the young innovators greater exposure, networking opportunities and platforms to showcase their technologies and ideas.
‘Mazi Zulum’ Designed for AI-Powered Education
The major highlight of the event was the unveiling of “MAXI,” described by the developers as Borno State’s first indigenous AI-powered educational humanoid robot.
Developed by Maxzeeton Technology in partnership with BICTDA, the robot is designed to support classroom learning by interacting with students, answering questions and providing personalised educational assistance using artificial intelligence.
Following its presentation, Wanori officially named the robot “Mazi Zulum” in honour of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and his administration’s emphasis on digital innovation and technological development.
Wanori also recognised Professor Mustapha Tijjani, Grema Umar and the Managing Director of Maxzeeton Technology for their contributions to advancing digital innovation in Borno.
Over 22,000 Young People Trained in Digital Skills
According to BICTDA, the Borno State Government has established 22 Digital Literacy Centres across the state, through which more than 22,000 young people have received digital skills training.
The agency said the centres form part of the state’s broader strategy to expand access to digital education and prepare young people for opportunities in the technology-driven economy.
Maxzeeton: AI Bootcamp Began in 2024
Maxzeeton Technology CEO, Usman Abdullahi Zilyadeen, described the unveiling and graduation as the fulfilment of a vision that many initially considered impossible.
He disclosed that although the AI Bootcamp was designed as a six-month programme, implementation began in September 2024, with Maxzeeton Technology contributing more than 80 per cent of the project’s funding.
Zilyadeen commended BICTDA, development partners, parents, trainers and participants for their commitment to the programme, noting that participants devoted their weekends to acquiring AI and data analytics skills.
He expressed optimism that future editions would produce more technology solutions addressing challenges across education, healthcare, agriculture, security and governance.
Borno’s AI Drive Signals Broader Digital Transformation
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to AI Bootcamp graduates and newly inducted DAAI Fellows, reinforcing Borno’s ambition to develop a new generation of technology innovators.
The unveiling of Mazi Zulum, alongside the expansion of AI training and digital literacy programmes, highlights the growing emphasis on artificial intelligence, robotics and data-driven innovation as tools for economic development and youth empowerment in the state.
Mazi Zulum Joins Nigeria’s Emerging Humanoid Robotics Landscape
The development also adds Borno to Nigeria’s emerging humanoid robotics ecosystem.
One of the country’s most prominent humanoid robots is Omeife, a six-foot-tall female multilingual robot developed by Abuja-based technology company Uniccon Group. Unveiled in 2022, Omeife was designed with an understanding of African cultures, social norms and behaviour and supports multiple languages, including English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, French, Arabic, Kiswahili and Afrikaans.
With Mazi Zulum now joining the country’s growing AI and robotics landscape, Borno is seeking to demonstrate that advanced technology development can extend beyond Nigeria’s traditional technology hubs and become a tool for education, skills development and inclusive digital transformation.
