Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria is in talks with Chinese technology company KMAX to establish a virtual reality-based learning facility aimed at improving practical training and addressing infrastructure challenges in higher education.
The partnership was reached after a delegation from the Ahmadu Bello University, led by Vice-Chancellor Adamu Ahmed, met KMAX officials in China on June 2 to discuss the creation of a Virtual Reality Multi-Disciplinary Simulation Laboratory (VR-MDSL).
The proposed facility would provide students across different academic disciplines with access to practical training through artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) technologies using a shared, centrally managed platform.
Officials said the initiative is intended to help address challenges including outdated laboratory facilities, limited equipment, high costs of practical training, field excursions, and distance-learning programmes.
The company, which first collaborated with ABU in 2023 through a partnership involving the UNESCO International Centre for Higher Education Innovation, and a donate of VR desktop system in 2025 to the institution, is offering 150 VR software licences in it’s new partnership, covering areas such as industrial robotics, automotive technology, and anatomy.
During the meeting, Vice-Chancellor Adamu Ahmed said the university faces difficulties in serving its growing student population because many learning facilities are under-equipped and require costly upgrades.
“The investments required to upgrade such facilities were prohibitively expensive” – Adamu Ahmed, VC ABU, Zaria
The school management believes AI and VR technologies could expand access to practical learning while reducing operational costs associated with laboratories and field training.
KMAX welcomed the proposal and expressed interest in expanding its partnership with the university. The Vice President of KMAX, August Cui, described the initiative as a very good starting point for deeper collaboration.
Stakeholders believes the facility could become one of the university’s most significant investments in AI- and VR-enabled education, supporting practical learning across multiple disciplines.
