The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has trained 31 lecturers of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Kano State, on Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and digital research tools.
The one-day capacity-building workshop, held on Monday at the institution, was designed to enhance academic research, transparency, and knowledge verification processes.
Participants were introduced to the application of AI in academic research, digital tools for data management, and the use of blockchain technology in higher education.
Speaking during the programme, the Executive Director of CITAD, Y. Z. Ya’u, represented by the organisation’s Communication Officer, Ali Sabo, said the initiative was aimed at closing the knowledge gap in emerging technologies within tertiary institutions across Northern Nigeria.
He explained that the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, is the fourth institution to benefit from the initiative after Bayero University Kano, KHAIRUN University, and Baba Ahmed University.
According to him, research conducted by CITAD showed that fewer than 10 per cent of universities in the region currently expose students to blockchain or financial technology-related courses.
He noted that while Lagos is increasingly gaining recognition as Africa’s innovation hub, Northern Nigeria still trails behind in technological advancement.
Sabo added that the programme was designed to bring innovation directly into universities, helping institutions integrate modern technologies into their curriculum and strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
He further explained that blockchain technology could be applied beyond financial transactions, including managing student records, tracking academic progress, and improving examination systems.
One of the facilitators and data analyst, Yusuf Babagana, said misconceptions surrounding cryptocurrency have contributed to poor awareness of blockchain technology among academics.
According to him, some lecturers still associate cryptocurrency with scams, a perception he said discourages innovation and technological adoption.
He explained that the workshop was organised to correct such misconceptions and demonstrate how blockchain and financial technology can positively impact society.
Declaring the workshop open, the Provost of the college, Bashir Sabo Abubakar, described the training as an important step towards preparing lecturers for a technology-driven future.
He stated that the programme was not just a workshop, but a strategic initiative aimed at improving staff capacity and exposing them to the transformative role of technology in teaching, research, and institutional administration.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the President of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), FCE (T) Bichi chapter, Ali Abubakar Ali, commended CITAD for organising the programme, describing it as timely and impactful.
Some participants also called on higher institutions across Northern Nigeria to prioritise digital innovation training to ensure lecturers and students remain globally competitive in the evolving knowledge economy.
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