CITAD trains lecturers on AI, blockchain technology in Kano

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), digital research tools and blockchain technology to strengthen academic integrity, research innovation and knowledge verification.

The one-day capacity-building workshop, held on Monday at the college premises in Kano State, focused on the application of AI in academic research, digital tools for research and data management, as well as the use of blockchain technology for academic integrity and knowledge verification.

Speaking during the programme, CITAD Executive Director, Y. Z. Ya’u, represented by the organisation’s Communication Officer, Ali Sabo, said the initiative was aimed at addressing what he described as a “glaring knowledge gap” in emerging technologies across higher institutions in Northern Nigeria.

According to him, the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, is the fourth institution to benefit from the programme after Bayero University Kano, KHAIRUN University and Baba Ahmed University.

Sabo explained that research conducted by CITAD revealed that fewer than 10 per cent of universities in the region currently expose students to blockchain or financial technology-related courses.

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“Lagos is already being called Africa’s innovation capital, while Northern Nigeria lags behind. With this programme, we are taking innovation to the doorsteps of universities so they can pass it on to students, integrate it into the curriculum and fuel the innovation ecosystem of the North,” he said.

He added that blockchain technology has applications beyond finance, noting that universities could deploy it to manage student records, monitor academic progress and strengthen examination processes.

A facilitator at the training and data analyst, Yusuf Babagana, said misconceptions surrounding cryptocurrency had contributed significantly to the technology knowledge gap among academics.

“Some lecturers still think cryptocurrency is a scam. That mindset blocks innovation. This training is about sensitising academics, breaking myths and demonstrating how blockchain and fintech can drive societal progress,” he said.

Declaring the workshop open, the Provost of the college, Bashir Sabo Abubakar, described the programme as a bold step towards preparing academic staff for a technology-driven future.

“This is more than just a workshop; it is capacity-building with a vision. Our staff can now see how technology can transform teaching, research and institutional administration,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of participants, the President of the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), FCE (T) Bichi chapter, Ali Abubakar Ali, commended CITAD for organising the training, describing it as timely and impactful.

He said the workshop exposed lecturers to practical ways AI and blockchain could improve academic research, data management and transparency within institutions.

Also speaking, Habibat Lawal of the School of Secondary Education Technical said the programme improved participants’ confidence in engaging with emerging technologies.

“Before now, many lecturers had limited exposure to AI tools and blockchain concepts. Today, we understand how these technologies can assist research, prevent academic fraud and improve knowledge verification.

“We appreciate CITAD for bringing this opportunity to our institution,” she said.

Participants at the workshop urged higher institutions across Northern Nigeria to prioritise digital innovation training to ensure lecturers and students remain globally competitive in the rapidly evolving knowledge economy.