Why We Are Promoting Blockchain Education, Innovation – Adebajo

Adedayo Adebajo is the Co-founder of ICP.Hub Sahara, an information communication technology (ICT) firm, championing the development and promotion of blockchain technology in West Africa. In this interview, he shares insights into the transformative impact of the Hub’s bootcamp and hackathon activities in promoting Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) adoption across West Africa. 

Your organisation has been taking the programme to universities across Nigeria, can you shed more light on this collaboration?

We have recorded significant milestones in collaborative efforts with leading universities in the region. For instance, one of our remarkable achievements is the inaugural cohort of ICode, conducted in collaboration with Covenant University, Ogun State. It might interest you to know that the intensive boot camp training successfully certified over 30 qualified developers, resulting in the deployment of at least 45 canisters as decentralised applications (DApps). Moreover, the accompanying hackathon produced 15 innovative solutions, including noteworthy projects like Gigchain, all competing for the prestigious $5000 Innovators in Residence grant.NOur partnership with Covenant University has been instrumental in equipping aspiring developers with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.

Again, we are commencing the second cohort of ICode which we launched in collaboration with Adeleke University in Osun state. With over 60 developers actively participating, the programme builds upon the success of its predecessor, aiming to further expand the pool of skilled blockchain professionals in the region. I must add that many students who were part of the ICode programme were very grateful for the invaluable learning experience and mentorship provided by ICP.Hub Sahara. The success of the first cohort of ICode demonstrates the potential of West African developers to innovate and create impactful solutions. They praised the practical hands-on approach of the boot camp and hackathon activities, citing them as catalysts for their personal and professional growth in the blockchain space.

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Can you briefly explain why your firm is focusing on ICode programme for  young people in the sub-region? 

We are very delighted that ICP.Hub Sahara is helping to nurture young Africans in the right direction as far as internet protocol is concerned. We have been collaborating with public and private universities in Nigeria to expose undergraduates who are enthusiastic about blockchain technology to what would transform their dreams and careers. The world is on the fast lane in terms of technology driving all facets of human endeavour, and that’s why it is important to emphasise ICode programme’s role  in nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of blockchain developers who are going to drive innovation and adoption of ICP technology across diverse sectors.

In what ways do you think this knowledge will impact the region? 

By empowering developers with the necessary skills and resources, we can unlock the full potential of blockchain technology to address pressing challenges and drive sustainable development in the region. The ICP.Hub Sahara is committed to driving blockchain innovation and education initiatives across West Africa. As I said earlier, the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing the region’s technological landscape cannot be overemphasised. That’s why we are leveraging universities where there are budding technology enthusiasts who need the right kind of mentoring and exposure to the latest tools to grow. Our mission at ICP.Hub Sahara is to empower developers and drive innovation in West Africa by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to excel in the digital age.

So, why focus on West Africa and not just Nigeria?

Well, the Hub aims at empowering the next generation of digital innovators and positioning the region as a hub for technological advancement. That’s our goal; seeing that West Africa becomes a hub for technological advancement as you have in Asia. The impact of ICP.Hub Sahara’s initiatives extend beyond individual developers, we are driving innovation and entrepreneurship in West Africa’s tech ecosystem. This, we are doing through our collaborative efforts with universities and industry partners. As the digital landscape evolves, initiatives like ICP.Hub Sahara plays a crucial role in equipping developers with the skills and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive and dynamic environment, ultimately contributing to the growth and prosperity of West Africa’s digital economy. We are excited to see the creative solutions that emerge from the hackathon and the impact they will have on the blockchain ecosystem. By spearheading initiatives like the Blockchain AI Bootcamp, ICP.Hub Sahara is at the forefront of driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with decentralized technologies.