The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), has entered into a collaboration with Dama Academy to promote awareness and adoption of blockchain technology across schools, institutions, and the larger Abuja society.
Speaking at a sensitisation workshop held at the DSTI headquarters on Tuesday, Director of DSTI, Dr Olabashola Kolawale, described blockchain as a transformational technology capable of ensuring data integrity, security, and trust in record-keeping and transactions.
“Our subject files, our meetings, and records can be secured on blockchain because it is a technology that cannot be bypassed or tampered with. It is within our mandate as a science and technology agency to embrace emerging innovations, and we want FCT to champion blockchain awareness across schools and institutions,” he said.
Kolawole added that the initiative will not only foster innovation in Abuja but also prepare the next generation of students to deploy blockchain in solving societal problems.
On his part, Chief Executive Officer of Dama Academy, Prince Nwankwo, said the partnership is designed to position Abuja as the nation’s blockchain hub, in line with global trends in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and digital asset management.
“Every nation is heading towards innovative technologies like blockchain. Cars and aeroplanes are now powered by artificial intelligence. FCT, as the capital of Nigeria, should not be left behind,” he stated.
He explained that lack of information and government involvement have been major barriers to blockchain adoption in Nigeria, stressing that collaboration with a government agency such as DSTI will provide the credibility needed to drive mass awareness.
Nwankwo also noted that while blockchain adoption in Nigeria’s elections by 2027 may be unlikely, early awareness and government engagement could pave the way for its use in future polls.
“People often fear new technologies, but change is constant. Nigeria cannot be an exception in the global shift to blockchain. Our workshops are designed to provide knowledge, protect people from scammers, and prepare them to benefit from blockchain responsibly,” he added.
