Niger State where I come from, one of Nigeria's nineteen northern states and known for its vast landmass, is not isolated from the challenges facing the region.
According to statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria is on the rise as shown in the statistical diagram below. The northern part of Nigeria also contribute to the rate of unemployment and a significant lack of skills among young people.
https://i.postimg.cc/PJq2KP3g/IMG-8985.pngSourceFollowing the 2023 general elections, Niger State formed a new government with a clear agenda and manifesto to promote and support technology hubs across the state. This commitment was later extended to encompass the financial technology (Fintech) sector.
https://i.postimg.cc/dtMD06y0/bbc04a23-c913-48ec-95cf-ca604ed7eb9d.jpgSourceSince I joined this forum, I have been encouraged to take the knowledge I have gathered over here and in life to my people especially to my younger ones back home having recognized the global adoption of Bitcoin technology, I took the initiative to propose to the state Governor the introduction of Bitcoin technology into our secondary school system as a core entrepreneurship subject.
By introducing Bitcoin technology, it will benefit our students in so many ways. Firstly, it will equips them with essential skills for the future. In an increasingly digital world, understanding cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology is becoming crucial. If the government can implement my initiative of providing this knowledge at the secondary school level, we will empower our students to be more competitive and prepared for the evolving market.
Submission of Proposal Letter and My Visit to the Governor's OfficeOn September 12, 2023, at around 11 AM, I submitted my letter of proposal to the Governor and with the help of the Chief of Staff and through our cordial relationship, we were invited to meet with the Governor on September 13, 2023.
https://i.postimg.cc/T25pGFhS/39cb315b-b35a-4b8a-8eec-91d6567edb10.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/Jn5bfMHR/87ae5af8-e146-4797-b7e3-ea707f2be812.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/ydCvXLhV/9921c218-7f62-4ad0-a726-470808d4b8b5.jpgThe images above shows the written proposed letter, when it was submitted and the final acknowledge copy.
The Governor's CommendationYesterday being the September 13, 2023, I had the privilege of meeting with the Governor himself. During my meeting with His Excellency, the Governor expressed keen interest in my innovative idea and commended my efforts. He called it a laudable effort that will bring about a monumental technological advancement to the state.
He assured me that he would consider my proposal and pledged to include technological advancements like this in his future policies. As a sign of his support and encouragement, the Governor extended an executive handshake.
https://i.postimg.cc/yx6FBt0c/7ef73f60-7886-4566-b275-d7c329eebdef.jpg https://i.postimg.cc/zvdTf7kM/IMG-8950.jpgTaking Executive handshake with my State GovernorMy plan on how to make this a reality should the governor gives a call back for implementation1. We would organize a retreat with the relevant government and non governmental stakeholders
Aim: To enlighten the governor and other stakeholders on the fundamental knowledge they need to know about the Bitcoin technology.
Process: We will invite Bitcoin experts within and outside the state to attend this retreat programme as panelists as we pick and discuss the relevant topics.
2. Upon the success of the retreat programme, we will organize a Train-the-Trainer bootcamp programme.
Aim: From the independent research I've been able to gather that there are about 500 secondary schools in Niger state. To get at least 2 teachers per school trained on how the Bitcoin technology operate wherein the secondary school teachers captured to carry out the trade subject across various schools will be trained on the basic knowledge of the Bitcoin technology. This is similar to the
CISCO Networking Academy Program implemented in various unity schools.
Process: Invite resource persons to the state to train the trainers who are in turn the teachers that will go into the classes.
These are the plans i have mapped out should the governor gives a call back for implementation. I am open to more suggestions on this forum to commiserates my ideas in actualizing this.
In conclusion, my proposal to integrate Bitcoin technology into secondary school education in Niger State has received a positive response from the state government.
I am optimistic that this initiative will not only provide valuable skills to our youth but also contribute to the broader goal of promoting technology and entrepreneurship in our region. As I eagerly await further developments, I remain committed to working towards a brighter and more technologically advanced future for my state and my country at large.
I love the move actually but the question is since the federal government is against cryptocurrency did you think a particular state can single handedly support crypto?
Though I won’t doubt the possibility given the way a lot of event on crypto currency has been happening in Northern Nigeria courtesy of Bitget exchange such as the BlockChain4Youths events and other cryptocurrency educational and enlightenment gathering.
I hope it works out absolutely.