Lagos State, Nigeria, may incorporate blockchain education into its school curriculum

By: Mark Jessy

April 21, 2023 6:33 AM

Folasade Adefisayo, the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, has stated that the state government will consider incorporating blockchain education in the curriculum of schools under its jurisdiction.

This is the government's second commitment to assist the blockchain ecosystem this year. As part of his re-election campaign, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised to make the state a hub for blockchain innovation.

Adefisayo revealed at the Blockchain Vibes Academy graduation ceremony that she had no prior knowledge of blockchain technology and had to read up on it before the event, according to The Cable→.

She stated that her education has fueled her desire for the state to capitalize on the technology, not least by allowing school pupils to understand about the prospects in blockchain.

"Now, I understand that blockchain is another skill that we can teach our students, and I also believe it will make them employers and effective in the world we live in," Adefisayo added.

Several pledges were made by candidates running in Nigeria's just finished election season to boost the stature of the blockchain sector.

Sanwo-Olu, who was re-elected for a second term, committed to collaborating with stakeholders to encourage the expansion of the state's tech and blockchain industries, including cryptocurrency.

"Lagos state has grown into an enviable state for startups, particularly in the innovation and technology sector," Sanwo-Olu added. As a result, we are dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to encourage the growth of the IT and blockchain industries in Lagos State, including cryptocurrencies."

Furthermore, in his election program, Nigeria's President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promised to integrate blockchain technology into the country's banking and finance, identity management, and revenue collection sectors after he is sworn in.

Tinubu stated, "As part of our reforms, we will set up an advisory committee to analyze the existing laws and regulations guiding the use of blockchain technology and digital asset services and, where necessary, suggest changes to create an efficient and business-friendly regulatory structure."

However, it has to be seen whether these goals and promises will become a reality, especially in light of existing contradicting regulations.

Nigeria's central bank has previously barred financial institutions from doing business with crypto-related businesses, and the Securities and Exchange Commission has been attempting to regulate digital asset activity in the country.

Furthermore, the Lagos state government has teamed with the crypto startup Gluwa to develop a blockchain solution for the agricultural industry, an unusual move given that Gluwa is not focused on agriculture. In any case, as reported, there has been no tangible project as a result of this collaboration.

In other news, the Nigerian House of Assembly is debating legislation to recognize→ cryptocurrency and other digital currencies as investment capital. The 2022 Finance Bill in Nigeria also includes intentions to begin crypto taxes in 2023.