Nigerian Lawmakers Advocate Practical Skills Focus in Blockchain Curriculum

Nigeria's House of Representatives has officially backed a proposal to revise the country's National Blockchain Education Programme curriculum. The legislative body is strongly advocating for the updated program to concentrate more on practical skills development, cybersecurity awareness, and adherence to regulatory frameworks, all aimed at equipping Nigerians to seize opportunities in the rapidly expanding digital economy.

Honourable Richard Bamisile, who chairs the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, announced this position in Abuja on Wednesday. He spoke during the launch of the curriculum review meeting, an event organized by the Blockchain Adoption Initiative in partnership with prominent institutions like the African University of Science and Technology, Baze University, and Nile University of Nigeria. Bamisile emphasized that blockchain education is crucial for advancing Nigeria's technological capabilities, boosting its economic competitiveness, and fostering the development of indigenous digital solutions.

He stated, "The future belongs to nations that do not merely consume technology, but possess the knowledge to create it, the wisdom to govern it and the vision to use it for national development." The lawmaker highlighted that blockchain technology offers a wide range of applications beyond just cryptocurrency, extending into sectors such as financial services, agriculture, supply-chain management, digital identity, and secure record-keeping. However, he cautioned that Nigeria could only fully leverage these prospects through deliberate investments in education, hands-on skills development, responsible innovation, and effective regulatory measures.

Bamisile further elaborated that his prior experience as chairman of the House ad hoc committee, which examined the economic, security, and regulatory aspects of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale operations in Nigeria, underscored the urgent need for public education and regulatory preparedness. He revealed that advocating for blockchain education was among the key recommendations put forth by that committee. He stressed that a deeper public understanding of emerging technologies would enable Nigerians to better appreciate both their economic potential and associated risks.

"As chairman of the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, I recognise the complementary importance of ensuring that subsidiary legislation is lawful, effective and responsive to technological change. Education helps us understand innovation; sound regulation ensures that innovation serves the public interest," Bamisile added. He called on all stakeholders to ensure that the revised curriculum moves beyond theoretical instruction, integrating hands-on training, cybersecurity principles, regulatory compliance, and other vital professional competencies demanded by the industry. According to him, the program should empower young Nigerians to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers, capable of developing solutions for local challenges and competing effectively in the global digital economy. He concluded by saying, "Let us build the knowledge today that will power Nigeria’s innovation tomorrow."

Earlier at the event, Dr. Alhassan Abdulmutalab, Director of Information and Communication Technology at Baze University, recalled his institution's involvement in 2023 when the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) invited them to contribute to the formulation of Nigeria’s national blockchain policy. Abdulmutalab expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative effort among universities and industry players, describing the curriculum review as a significant stride towards establishing a robust framework for blockchain education across the nation. He remarked, "I remember in 2023, Baze University was invited by NITDA to be part of the universities to develop national blockchain policy. Today, I’m very happy that under your leadership, universities are brought together to develop a robust curriculum." He clarified that the program is designed not only for university students but also for Nigerians from various sectors who need to grasp blockchain technology and its practical applications.

Similarly, Dr. Prisca Onuoha-Iroakazi, Faculty Coordinator for the Continuing Professional Development Programme at AUST, Abuja, reiterated her institution's dedication to providing practical, industry-focused education. She welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed with the organizers, expressing optimism that the partnership would yield a curriculum that successfully merges academic instruction with practical experience and active industry engagement. "We hope this curriculum will be reviewed to bring not only theory but hands-on training, in a way that everyone who comes to learn will go and build their own industry. That is what we champion," she affirmed.

Mrs. Janet Oyelade, in her presentation, commended Bamisile and other relevant regulatory bodies for facilitating a convergence of industry operators and regulators to tackle the challenges within the blockchain ecosystem. She noted that the industry had previously experienced friction between operators and regulators, as well as internal divisions among stakeholders. Oyelade highlighted that engagements with the House committee had provided a crucial platform to work towards shared solutions.