Nigeria’s vice president has announced the government’s desire to educate citizens on blockchain technology. The official said Nigeria could overtake more advanced crypto economies around the world.

Kashim Shettima was speaking at the launch of the government’s programme to train the nation’s workforce in AI, blockchain and advanced technologies. The government initiative will reportedly be based at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC camp in Dutse, in partnership with Nigerian blockchain technology company Gluwa.

Training specialists is part of Nigeria’s strategy for digital transformation and leadership in Africa, Kashim Shettima announced. The country plans to train about 1,000 employees of companies and institutions every year who will specialize in advanced technologies.

“This initiative is important for Nigeria’s economic future. It gives beneficiaries the opportunity to be part of the global workforce. We are not just aiming to catch up with the rest of the world; we are aiming to overtake it. We are rolling this initiative out across the country to create a network of technology hubs that will drive Nigeria’s economic growth for decades to come,” Shettima said.

The government is considering launching its own national blockchain network, Nigeria. The concept of a sovereign blockchain network was proposed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).