Breni: An EdTech Success Story from Northern Nigeria to Asia

A New Approach to Education in Northern Nigeria

Two Nigerians are making waves in the global tech scene by introducing an education app that is changing how students and teachers approach learning. Abubakar Sadiq Umar and Bilal Abdullahi, co-founders of Breni, have created a platform that addresses the unique challenges faced by learners in Northern Nigeria.

Traditional edtech startups often focus on online platforms with pre-recorded courses that require payment. However, Breni takes a different route by leveraging AI to offer personalized learning experiences tailored to individual needs.

Addressing Educational Gaps

In many parts of Northern Nigeria, students face significant challenges such as language barriers and difficulty adapting to new technology. These issues create a gap in the educational system that Breni aims to bridge.

Umar highlights the disparity between modern students and outdated teaching methods: "There is this educational dilemma that 21st century kids or students are being taught by 20th century teachers using 19th century curriculum on an 18th century calendar."

With his background in digital marketing, blockchain, and business analysis, Umar has developed a solution that makes education more accessible through personalized content in various languages.

The Rise of Breni

Launched in August 2025, Breni has attracted over 3,000 users from more than 20 countries, with 90% of them outside Nigeria. This success is a testament to the app's innovative approach.

Umar and Abdullahi met while studying computer science at Yusuf Maitama Sule University in Kano. Their shared passion for technology led them to explore ways to improve the ecosystem in the North.

After working at Kayi, a Nigerian fintech company, they left their jobs in 2024 to start Breni together. Despite being new to the edtech space, they recognized the potential for growth and impact.

How Breni Works

Breni's primary goal is to make learning personalized and easy. The app uses AI-integrated tools to break down lessons into short, micro modules for better understanding. Gamification elements like streaks, leaderboards, and quizzes make learning competitive and fun.

"The app employs cognitive science and technologies that social media platforms use to keep users engaged. Its spaced repetition revisits concepts at proven intervals for memory so learners don't forget past learnings," Umar explains.

Users sign up and receive content based on personal information, including age, experience level, location, and preferred learning styles. Instead of creating its own content, Breni uses AI models and Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate courses based on user searches.

Business Model and Challenges

Breni operates on a freemium model, with the free version containing ads. Premium subscribers pay based on location, ranging from $1 in Nigeria to $5 in other countries. The company has generated N200,000 ($137) in revenue in 37 days.

However, the business model faces challenges, particularly in Northern Nigeria where financial constraints and lack of awareness about the value of these courses pose obstacles.

Building in Northern Nigeria

Northern Nigeria has a smaller startup ecosystem, fewer investors, and less technology adoption. Building a startup in this region is more challenging due to limited tech infrastructure, connectivity, and mentorship.

"Building in Africa is already tough, but building in Nigeria is even tougher. And building in Northern Nigeria is ten times harder. There's a mindset gap when it comes to startups and technology adoption," Umar notes.

Despite these challenges, the region is seeing more tech breakthroughs with the launch of several tech and startup hubs.

Global Reach and Competitive Edge

Although Breni was built for Nigerians, 90% of its audience is outside the country. Nepal has the highest number of users, followed by Russia and Nigeria. The app has also gained traction in countries like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, the UAE, South Africa, Canada, the US, and the UK.

The founders leveraged their contacts to attract users, and adoption in Asia was mainly driven by referrals. This global reach gives Breni a competitive edge in the edtech space.

Differentiating Factors

Breni stands out in a competitive market dominated by platforms like Coursera and Duolingo. While these platforms rely on structured curricula and expensive subscriptions, Breni offers AI-powered personalized and gamified learning.

Its traction in unexpected geographies suggests positive adoption and could give it an edge in the edtech space.