Borno Students Build AI Robot Teacher to Support Learning in Insecure Communitie

A group of secondary school students in Borno State has developed an AI-powered humanoid robot designed to help teach children, particularly those living in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach communities where access to qualified teachers remains a challenge.

The innovation, named “Max Zulum” in honour of Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, was unveiled during the graduation ceremony of the “Empowering Ideas, Empowering Communities” AI Bootcamp and Data Analytics Fellowship held in Maiduguri.

The six-month programme, organised by Maxzeeton Technology with support from the Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), trained students from six secondary schools in artificial intelligence, robotics, coding and data analytics before they collaborated to create the robot.

A Classroom Assistant Powered by AI

According to the developers, Max Zulum was designed to make learning easier by providing interactive lessons, particularly in mathematics and science.

Standing about 1.2 metres tall, the robot features a built-in display screen, speaker and microphone that allow it to communicate naturally with students. It can understand spoken questions, provide verbal explanations and display step-by-step solutions on its screen, adapting its teaching pace based on a learner’s responses.

During the live demonstration, the robot successfully explained how to solve mathematical problems by breaking each step down in a simple and interactive way.

Helping Bridge Nigeria’s Teacher Gap

The project comes at a time when many schools in northeastern Nigeria continue to struggle with teacher shortages caused by years of insecurity and displacement.

Official education statistics indicate that Borno State averages about 46 students per teacher, while some conflict-affected communities have previously recorded much higher classroom ratios, making quality education difficult to deliver.

The student developers believe AI-powered teaching assistants like Max Zulum could help fill learning gaps, especially in communities where teachers are scarce or schools face security challenges.

More Than Just a Robot

Speaking at the event, officials described the project as proof that Nigerian students can develop world-class technology when given the right opportunities.

The Managing Director of Maxzeeton Technology said the robot demonstrates how young Nigerians can transform classroom knowledge into practical solutions capable of addressing real societal challenges.

BICTDA Executive Secretary, Engr. Kabir Wanori, added that the agency plans to continue supporting the students through additional training and international exposure, with the goal of turning their innovation into a globally recognised solution.

Investing in Future Innovators

Beyond unveiling the robot, the programme also admitted 100 young Nigerians into a new fellowship focused on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Data Analytics, equipping them with digital skills needed for the future workforce.

One of the student developers, Al-Mustapha Kabir Matazu, said the journey from learning basic coding to building a functioning AI robot showed what young people could achieve with proper mentorship.

Innovation award winner Fatima Abdulrahman said the experience inspired her to build technology that can improve lives, expressing hope that AI tools like Max Zulum will help ensure children continue learning even when traditional classrooms become inaccessible.

As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation, projects like Max Zulum highlight the growing role young innovators can play in solving some of the country’s most pressing educational challenges.