Shettima Zanna Hamza

Biography & Notes

Shettima Zanna Hamza is a Nigerian Electrical and Electronics Engineer, technology entrepreneur, software developer, researcher, ICT professional, innovator, and multidisciplinary technologist from Borno State, Nigeria. He was born on 9 June 2001 in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State. His academic, professional, and entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by a strong interest in engineering, technology, education, innovation, and practical problem-solving.

Shettima comes from a family with a longstanding history of Islamic scholarship, learning, community service, and leadership. His family lineage is particularly connected to the scholarly heritage of Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo, also known as Ba’a Lari Kolo, a respected Islamic scholar whose family history traces his ancestral origins to Yemen. According to the family history, Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo migrated from Yemen to Bama in present-day Borno State, where he undertook formal Islamic education and eventually became a prominent scholar. The title “Shettima,” traditionally associated with a Sheikh or learned Islamic scholar in the Kanuri context, became an important part of the family’s identity and was subsequently carried through generations.

Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo married three wives: Ammahkura, Ya Chellu, and Andai. Through these marriages, he established a large family whose descendants have continued through several generations. His lineage has expanded into numerous branches consisting of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and subsequent generations.

Shettima belongs specifically to the Ammahkura branch of this family. His maternal grandmother was Ammahkura, his mother is Yabawa Kolo, and through this line he is a direct descendant of Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo.

His direct maternal lineage can therefore be traced as:

Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo (Ba’a Lari Kolo)
↓
Ammahkura
↓
Yabawa Kolo
↓
Shettima Zanna Hamza

Shettima is the son of Zanna Hamza and Yabawa Kolo. He is one of four children of Yabawa Kolo. His siblings are Abba Zannah Hamza, also known as Babagana; Hajja Bintu Zanna Hamza; and Amma Zanna Hamza. The four children form the immediate family of Yabawa Kolo and represent the next generation of the Ammahkura branch of the wider Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo lineage.

Shettima’s family heritage has remained an important part of his identity. His ancestry connects him to a tradition of Islamic scholarship and learning in Borno, while his own professional journey represents a contemporary continuation of the family's emphasis on knowledge, education, service, and leadership through engineering and technology.

Shettima developed an early interest in science, computers, electronics, technology, and practical problem-solving. His curiosity about how machines, electrical systems, computers, and digital technologies operate gradually developed into a broader interest in engineering and innovation. Rather than restricting himself to one technical discipline, he has consistently pursued knowledge across several interconnected fields, combining engineering principles with programming, electronics, digital systems, design, networking, and business.

He received his early education in Nigeria and developed his foundational interest in computing and technology while still young. His interest in programming led him to pursue a Diploma in C++ Programming at Yaysib Computer Institute, where he completed a six-month programme and obtained a Lower Credit in September 2018. This provided him with an early foundation in programming, object-oriented programming, computational thinking, and software development.

Shettima subsequently pursued higher education at Baze University, Abuja, where he studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He obtained his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2024, graduating with Second Class Honours, Upper Division.

During his undergraduate studies, Shettima developed knowledge across electrical engineering, electronics, electrical machines, power systems, control systems, telecommunications, digital electronics, instrumentation, engineering mathematics, programming, and related technical disciplines.

His undergraduate research project was titled “Development of Automatic Hydroponics System Using ESP Technology.” The project combined electrical engineering, embedded systems, sensors, programming, automation, and agricultural technology. It demonstrated his interest in applying engineering to practical problems and in developing intelligent systems capable of automating agricultural processes.

Following his bachelor's degree, Shettima continued his academic development by pursuing a Master of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Baze University. His postgraduate interests have increasingly focused on practical challenges within Nigeria's energy sector, including electricity theft detection, smart metering, energy management, power-system monitoring, electrical distribution, automation, embedded systems, and IoT-enabled electrical technologies.

His research interests reflect his belief that engineering should be used not only to develop theoretical knowledge but also to solve practical problems affecting society. In particular, his interest in electricity theft detection is connected to the challenges faced by electricity distribution networks in Nigeria and the need for better monitoring, accountability, intelligent detection, and efficient energy management.

Shettima has gained practical industrial and professional experience across several technical environments. He gained experience at Al-Ansar Radio Station in Maiduguri, where he was exposed to broadcasting technology, electronics, communications systems, technical operations, live broadcasting, and signal-related activities. This experience gave him an early practical understanding of communication technologies and electronic systems.

He also gained experience at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Abuja. His work and exposure there involved areas including artificial intelligence, Python programming, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, mobile development, robotics, and collaborative technology projects. His experience included practical experimentation with embedded systems and robotics, strengthening his understanding of how programming, electronics, artificial intelligence, and automation can be combined to create technological solutions.

Another important stage of Shettima's engineering development came through his experience with the Transmission Company of Nigeria in Maiduguri. His exposure to the country's electricity transmission environment gave him practical insight into power transmission infrastructure, electrical machines, transmission systems, maintenance, fault analysis, system monitoring, and control. This experience further strengthened his interest in the Nigerian electricity sector and contributed to his later interest in energy-related research.

Shettima has also worked within the real-estate design and construction industry. At Istrom Real Estate, within the Design and Construction Department, he worked as an MEP Design Engineer. His professional exposure in this area included electrical engineering, building services, MEP design, technical drawings, electrical installations, construction coordination, and engineering-related design activities.

His engineering interests cover a broad range of areas, including electrical power systems, electrical installations, electronics, control systems, automation, renewable energy, MEP engineering, building services, telecommunications, networking, embedded systems, and Internet of Things technologies.

In addition to his engineering background, Shettima has developed substantial expertise in software development. His programming skills include PHP, MySQL, Laravel, Livewire, Tailwind CSS, Python, C++, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, SQL, and MATLAB.

His software-development work includes web applications, database-driven systems, business-management platforms, payment systems, dashboards, procurement systems, inventory systems, sales-management systems, customer-management systems, staff-management systems, and digital administrative platforms.

Shettima's approach to software development is strongly connected to practical business and engineering problems. Rather than focusing exclusively on programming as an academic discipline, he uses software as a tool for automating processes, improving accountability, managing information, integrating payments, monitoring operations, and creating digital platforms.

He has particular interest in PHP-based systems and modern web technologies such as Laravel, Livewire, Tailwind CSS, and MySQL. His experience allows him to work across backend development, databases, user interfaces, business logic, payment integration, dashboards, and system administration.

Embedded systems and the Internet of Things form another important part of his technical profile. He has worked with ESP32, Arduino, sensors, relays, wireless communication, automation, and connected devices. His experience in both software and electronics allows him to develop integrated systems in which physical devices communicate with software applications, databases, networks, and users.

His interest in robotics began through both formal training and practical experimentation. His exposure to robotics at the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics contributed to his development in embedded control, programming, electronics, sensors, and automation. He has continued to explore robotics and related technologies independently.

Shettima has also developed skills in computer-aided design, three-dimensional modelling, and digital fabrication. His technical interests include AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, Fusion 360, Blender, 3D modelling, product visualisation, engineering design, and digital manufacturing.

His ability to combine electrical engineering with 3D design and software development provides him with a multidisciplinary approach to product development. He can approach a project from its electrical, electronic, software, mechanical, visual, and operational perspectives.

Networking and digital connectivity have also become important areas of his professional activities. Shettima has developed practical knowledge of wireless networking, internet infrastructure, Starlink systems, Grandstream networking equipment, Wi-Fi deployment, network management, access points, switches, bandwidth management, and network-service operations.

His work in connectivity has allowed him to explore the deployment of reliable internet infrastructure in environments where stable digital access is important. This has combined his knowledge of networking, telecommunications, software systems, customer management, and business operations.

As an entrepreneur, Shettima is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zantex Global Investment Limited. His entrepreneurial activities have grown from his interest in applying engineering and technology to practical business opportunities.

Through his entrepreneurial work, he has explored areas including internet connectivity, electronics, digital infrastructure, software development, networking, engineering services, technology solutions, and investment. His entrepreneurial approach combines technical knowledge with business management and practical implementation.

Shettima has also worked on digital systems designed to manage business operations. These include procurement and inventory systems, sales management, payment and wallet systems, staff-management systems, attendance systems, dashboards, reporting platforms, and operational-management tools.

His interest in digital business systems reflects his broader objective of using technology to improve accountability, efficiency, transparency, and decision-making within organisations.

Education and ICT management constitute another significant part of Shettima's professional identity. He has served as ICT Director at Al-Mustaqbal Integrated Islamic School, where he has been involved in the application of technology to education, digital administration, online learning, ICT infrastructure, and educational systems.

His interest in education extends beyond conventional ICT management. He has also explored digital platforms for Islamic education, including Qur'an, Hadith, Fiqh, Arabic, and Tajweed learning. His involvement in Islamic educational technology reflects the intersection between his family heritage, educational interests, and technical abilities.

Shettima has pursued continuous professional development through additional training and certifications. His training includes Robotics Learn by Building I, Robotics Learn by Building II, Robotics Learn by Building III, Python programming, business analysis, data visualization, business analytics, PHP with MySQL, deep learning, TensorFlow, and other technology-related areas.

His training in business analysis and data visualization has complemented his engineering and programming background by strengthening his understanding of data-driven decision-making and business intelligence. His interest in artificial intelligence and deep learning further demonstrates his desire to remain engaged with emerging technological fields.

Research remains an important part of his academic and professional development. His research interests include electricity theft detection, smart metering, energy management, power-system monitoring, electrical distribution systems, IoT-enabled power systems, automation, embedded systems, and intelligent electrical technologies.

His interest in electricity theft detection is particularly relevant to the Nigerian power sector, where technical and commercial losses remain important challenges. His research direction seeks to explore how intelligent monitoring, data analysis, smart meters, embedded systems, and communication technologies can be combined to identify abnormal electricity consumption and support better accountability.

Shettima also maintains a strong interest in agricultural technology. His undergraduate hydroponics project demonstrated his interest in using engineering and automation to improve agricultural production. This interest connects electronics, sensors, embedded systems, control, environmental monitoring, and sustainable agriculture.

His wider project interests include robotics, IoT systems, automatic control, smart electrical devices, digital management systems, networking infrastructure, engineering applications, 3D design, and technology solutions for developing environments.

A defining characteristic of Shettima's professional identity is his multidisciplinary orientation. Although he is formally trained as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer, his work extends into software engineering, electronics, embedded systems, networking, artificial intelligence, robotics, data analysis, 3D design, ICT management, education, research, and entrepreneurship.

This multidisciplinary approach enables him to move between physical engineering systems and digital technologies. He can work with electrical circuits and power systems, develop software applications, program embedded controllers, design network infrastructure, create three-dimensional models, manage ICT systems, analyse data, and develop technology-based business solutions.

Shettima is also committed to continuous learning. His professional journey demonstrates a willingness to acquire skills beyond the boundaries of his formal academic discipline. His transition from C++ programming to electrical engineering, software development, embedded systems, robotics, networking, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and entrepreneurship reflects a broad and continuously developing technical profile.

His Nigerian and Borno heritage also influences his interest in practical solutions to local challenges. His professional interests frequently intersect with issues involving electricity, connectivity, education, agriculture, digital infrastructure, technology access, and business development.

Shettima speaks English, Hausa, and Kanuri and maintains a strong connection to the culture and heritage of northeastern Nigeria.

His family background, particularly the scholarly lineage of Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo, represents an important part of his personal identity. The family's historical emphasis on Islamic scholarship and learning provides a heritage of knowledge and intellectual development, while Shettima's own career represents a modern continuation of that emphasis through engineering, science, technology, research, and innovation.

His immediate family consists of his father, Zanna Hamza, and his mother, Yabawa Kolo. He is one of four children of Yabawa Kolo, alongside Abba Zannah Hamza, also known as Babagana; Hajja Bintu Zanna Hamza; and Amma Zanna Hamza.

Through his mother, Shettima is a direct descendant of Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo and Ammahkura. This places his immediate family within a wider multigenerational lineage extending from the original scholarly generation through children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and later descendants.

The family lineage can therefore be summarised as:

Ba Shettima Alkali Kolo (Ba’a Lari Kolo)
and Ammahkura
↓
Yabawa Kolo
↓
Abba Zannah Hamza (Babagana)
Hajja Bintu Zanna Hamza
Amma Zanna Hamza
Shettima Zanna Hamza

This lineage represents more than ancestry. It provides a historical context for Shettima's identity, connecting his present-day career in engineering and technology with a family heritage associated with Islamic scholarship, education, knowledge, and community leadership.

Professionally, Shettima Zanna Hamza can be described as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer with a broad multidisciplinary technology orientation. His combination of engineering education, software-development capabilities, embedded-systems experience, networking knowledge, ICT management experience, research interests, design skills, and entrepreneurial activities gives him the ability to operate across several technical and professional environments.

His long-term vision is centred on using engineering and technology to develop practical, scalable, and sustainable solutions to challenges in Nigeria and Africa. His areas of interest include energy, electricity distribution, smart metering, electricity theft detection, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, automation, agriculture, education, software, artificial intelligence, robotics, IoT, and enterprise technology.

He views engineering not simply as a profession but as a foundation for problem-solving across industries. His career demonstrates this philosophy through his movement between electrical engineering, software development, electronics, embedded systems, networking, 3D design, ICT, education, research, and entrepreneurship.

From his early interest in computing and programming in Maiduguri, through his engineering education at Baze University, his professional experiences at Al-Ansar Radio Station, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and Istrom Real Estate, to his work in ICT, software development, networking, research, and entrepreneurship through Zantex Global Investment Limited, Shettima has continued to build a diverse and evolving career.

His journey represents the development of a young Nigerian professional who combines traditional engineering education with modern digital technologies and entrepreneurial thinking. His work demonstrates an ongoing commitment to learning, innovation, practical problem-solving, and the development of systems that can address real-world challenges.

Born in Maiduguri, Borno State, on 9 June 2001, Shettima Zanna Hamza has developed from a young technology enthusiast into an Electrical and Electronics Engineer, researcher, software developer, ICT professional, technology entrepreneur, and innovator. His academic background, family heritage, technical experience, entrepreneurial activities, and continuing research reflect a long-term ambition to contribute meaningfully to the technological, educational, industrial, and economic development of Nigeria and Africa.