Borno State University, also known as Kashim Ibrahim University (KIU), and the Centre for Advocacy Transparency and Accountability Initiative (CATAI) have entered into separate agreements with Maxzeeton Technology to provide intensive training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills for female undergraduates and fresh graduates.
The university and CATAI signed separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maxzeeton Technology, an indigenous ICT firm, in Maiduguri. The partnership is designed to train selected female undergraduates and recent graduates in digital skills that can lead to job creation and improved career opportunities.
Under the agreement, selected female undergraduates, particularly final-year students, and fresh graduates will undergo a six-month capacity-building programme focused on data analytics and Artificial Intelligence. The initiative is expected to equip participants with practical knowledge that aligns with current demands in the technology sector.
Vice Chancellor of KIU, Prof. Babagana Gutti, who signed on behalf of the institution, described the partnership as timely and strategic. He noted that digital skills have become critical in the modern labour market.
He said the collaboration aligns with the university’s vision of equipping students with practical competencies that respond to emerging global employment trends, especially in technology-driven sectors. According to Gutti, strengthening students’ expertise in AI and data analytics will improve their competitiveness and expand their opportunities beyond traditional career paths.
Chief Executive Officer of Maxzeeton Technology, Abdullahi Usman Abbati, explained that the initiative is specifically tailored for transitioning students, including final-year undergraduates and recent graduates of KIU. He said the programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and workplace demands by providing hands-on training in digital tools and real-world applications.
“The training is under the Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Fellowship Programme,” Abbati said. He added that it aims to support participants as they transition into employment, entrepreneurship or advanced digital careers.
Abbati further noted that the fellowship would expose beneficiaries to practical projects, mentorship opportunities and industry-relevant certifications intended to boost employability.
The Centre for Advocacy Transparency and Accountability Initiative, also a signatory to the agreement, said the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to youth empowerment and gender inclusion in emerging sectors of the economy.
Stakeholders at the signing ceremony expressed optimism that the collaboration would help address youth unemployment challenges, particularly among women in the North-East region. They said investing in AI and data analytics skills would not only open up remote and global job opportunities for participants but also encourage innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship within the state.
The partnership reflects a growing recognition among academic institutions and private sector players of the need to integrate digital competencies into higher education frameworks. With the six-month training programme expected to commence soon, organisers said the initiative marks a significant step toward preparing female students and graduates for opportunities in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy and the global technology marketplace.
