Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has unveiled plans to integrate blockchain technology into the issuance and verification process of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates in the country.
The NYSC program mandates university graduates below the age of 30 to partake in a year-long national service, engaging in community development initiatives and cultural integration. This announcement was made during the Stakeholders’ Policy Dialogue, an event focused on the implementation of the National Blockchain Policy. Organized by NITDA in partnership with the Blockchain Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), the dialogue centered on addressing challenges within the NYSC certificate system, which has been plagued by rampant counterfeiting.
Recognizing the need for a solution, the Director-General of NITDA collaborated with the agency to devise a blockchain-based mechanism to authenticate NYSC certificates. The proposed system aims to consolidate all NYSC certificates onto the blockchain, affording individuals a streamlined process to validate their credentials securely.
The role of blockchain technology in Nigeria
Furthermore, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi outlined his intention to leverage blockchain technology to issue certificates for individuals who successfully complete training programs under NITDA. He also underscored the Central Bank of Nigeria’s willingness to collaborate with the broader ecosystem.
In the view of NITDA’s head, blockchain harbors significant economic potential. Its application in certificate issuance represents a pivotal avenue to unlock the multifaceted opportunities presented by this technology. Abdullahi stated,
“I believe blockchain, with the ability to add $1.7 trillion to the global GDP, will be a good technology for Nigeria to leverage. And if we position ourselves well based on the BWC report, Nigeria can add about $40 billion to its GDP by 2030.”
Obinna Iwuno, President of SiBAN, played a prominent role in the dialogue. He expressed optimism about the sector’s future, emphasizing that the government has adopted a more comprehensive perspective on the industry’s potential. This has led to a readiness to foster stronger collaborations with SiBAN, aiming for the robust expansion of the blockchain industry.
