VIDEO: How Nigeria’s Alleged First Robot Inventor Was Sent For Psychiatric Evaluation Emerges Online

Fresh discussions have emerged online following the circulation of a video recounting the story of Mudashiru Ayeni, a Nigerian inventor who was reportedly subjected to psychiatric evaluation after unveiling what has been described as one of the country’s earliest robotic inventions.

The video, shared by Punch Newspapers, claimed that Ayeni developed a battery-powered “robot office assistant” in 1971 capable of responding to visitors and handling simple office-related requests.

According to the narration in the video, the invention reportedly attracted disbelief at the time due to the level of technology involved during that period in Nigeria.

The report further claimed that after Ayeni attempted to present the invention to former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, he was allegedly referred for psychiatric evaluation because some people considered the innovation unbelievable.

He was, however, later declared mentally sound, according to the account shared in the video.

The story has since generated reactions across social media, with many Nigerians describing it as a reflection of how innovation and unconventional ideas were sometimes misunderstood or poorly received in earlier decades.

Some users also argued that the development highlighted the need for stronger institutional support for inventors, researchers, and young innovators in Nigeria.

While parts of the claims circulating online remain subjects of public discussion, the video has continued to spark renewed interest in Nigeria’s early technological history and forgotten innovators.