ABU, KMAX discuss proposal for VR simulation-based learning facility
Ahmadu Bello University is into discussion with KMAX for the establishment of a virtual reality multi-disciplinary simulation laboratory (VR-MDSL) in the university.
The discussion started when a high-powered ABU delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, visited KMAX in China on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026.
The core focus of the discussion was basically to establish a premier VR simulation-based learning facility in Ahmadu Bello University.
The facility, a single, shared, and centrally managed laboratory, is such that students from any faculty can access world-class practical training through KMAX’s AI and VR systems at any time, without restriction by discipline or equipment configuration.
KMAX is globally recognized as a leading developer of AI-integrated virtual (VR) reality hardware and software systems for higher education.
In 2023, KMAX as an enterprise partner of the UNESCO-ICHEI had signed an agreement with Ahmadu Bello University and two other IIOE National Centres to utilize the KMAX VR applications as part of the smart classroom upgrade.
At that time, the university was granted 150 VR software licenses in Canine Anatomy VR, Industrial Robotics Expert, Virtual Auto Expert, PLC Control VR, and Industrial Robotics Mechanics.
This was further reviewed in 2025 with an additional donation of the KMAX KI-200 All-in-One VR Desktop System (with 3-user polarization).
During the discussion at the KMAX headquarters in China on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor listed some of the challenges faced by the university.
He said the institution was unable to serve the volume of its students largely due to challenges of under-equipped and outdated learning facilities.
Prof Ahmed explained that the investments required to upgrade such facilities were prohibitively expensive.
He also identified other challenges faced by the university that included costs for field and excursion trips, costs of running labs and practicals for general level courses as well as distance learning programmes.
The challenges, according to him, motivated the university into initiating the discussion with the KMAX on how AI/VR technology could be used to address some of the challenges.
The Vice-Chancellor was received by top officials of the Chinese firm led by the Vice President of KMAX, Mr. August Cui.
Other top officials of the company included Ms. Shirley Zheng, Director, Overseas Sales Department; Xuemei Wang, Director, Overseas Projects Department; and Winni Zeng, Manager, Overseas Sales Department.
Mr. Cui welcomed the ABU team and acknowledged with appreciation the good relationship between KMAX and ABU.
He expressed the willingness of the firm to extend and expand the ties even beyond ABU, stressing that the company considered the university proposal as a “very good starting point”.
It was resolved after the meeting that further discussions would take place to fine tune the proposal where financing, phase and scale, key areas of interest, customization and contents development would be sorted out.
The Vice-Chancellor was in company of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Raymond B Bako, and four others.
The others were the Director, Distance Learning Centre and IIOE Nigeria National Centre, Prof Muhammed Bashir Mu’azu and the Director, IAIICT, Prof Emmanuel Adewale Adedokun.
The rest were the Deputy Director, IAIICT, Dr Bashir Halliru Sani and the Technical Head, IIOE, Dr Zaharaddeen Haruna.
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Public Affairs Directorate,
Office of the Vice-Chancellor,
Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria (NEWS/NAM)
Friday, 5th June, 2026
