Africa is seen as a substantial potential market for cryptocurrency adoption, primarily because of its young population, governance issues in economic management, and a lack of robust financial infrastructure for both local and international connectivity.

Africans are also battling rising inflation and high transaction fees for cross-border payments — which makes it even clearer that the continent needs an alternative solution like blockchain technology.

Currently, Nigeria is the leading African market for crypto trading based on trading volume. countries like Kenya and Ghana are not left behind.

Even with the global awareness and impact of blockchain so far - Nigeria only accounts for less than 1% in the world meaning adoption is still poor.

So how do we increase adoption?

Simple - By BlockChain Education!

Enthusiast of the space in different locations have decided to set up Blockchain clubs in universities all over the world (Nigeria inclusive) - that will serve as a platform where the essence of "blockchain education is fulfilled"

These clubs offer students the chance to self-educate and empower themselves, equipping them with the skills and knowledge essential for thriving in this entirely new environment.

A notable club which has promoted the gospel of blockchain in Southern Nigeria is blockchain UNICAL location in university of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

About Blockchain UNICAL

Blockchain UNICAL is a Community of Blockchain & Crypto Enthusiasts in the University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria focused on Spreading Blockchain knowledge and Adoption.

The vision of the blockchain club is to create a home and strong foundation for everyone interested in the digital economy by providing them with the basic knowledge, Resources, Network that can help them become impactful in the Ecosystem thereby further spreading awareness and adoption of blockchain Technology in Nigeria.

In May 2022, the blockchain club officially partnered with the school's Student Union Government and has had several event partnership thereafter.

Team

The team is made up of a conglomerate of blockchain enthusiasts who are skilled in community management, marketing, Content development, blockchain development and more.

The team is led by Ogozi precious. Other members of the team are:

Rebecca Ebianga (Community Manager), It's Edikan Friday (Community Manager), Eniodem Simeon "Simple Simeon" (Community Manager), Isong Emereze "Kratos" (Blockchain Developer), Abasifreke Etop (Web developer) Afoma Mayalisa "cryptomaya" (content writer), Otumawen Precious (content writer) and Miracle Marcel (Graphic Designer).

Key Partnerships

So far block chain Unical has partnered with different web 3 blockchain brands which has been beneficial to the community in different ways.

• Partnership with web3 bridge; one of the largest training centers for blockchain developers in Africa in September 2022. This partnership enabled some members of the community to be trained in blockchain development.

• In march 2023, Ekolance, a Training and recruitment platform for blockchain professionals also partnered with blockchain UNICAL. Community members of the club were given premium access to webinars, workshops and training organized by ekolance.

• In march 2023, Diamund labs partnered with Blockchain UNICAL to organize a 6 weeks Bootcamp on Solidity Development, Smart contracts development, building DApps and Blockchain networks, e.t.c for crypto community members.

• Also Raca, Home of the United States of Mars 3D in May 2023 became an official partner with Blockchain UNICAL. Currently Blockchain UNICAL owns a Virtual HQ within the USM.World (metaverse).

• Cassava Network on its quest to fostering web 3 adoption and supporting students block chain clubs also partnered with blockchain UNICAL in may 2023.

• Blockchain UNICAL was a community partner for Web 3 Lagos conference in 2023

• In September 2023, Blockchain Unical became a community partners of Crypto ladies league's web3 marketing bootcamp

Events

As a core mission of blockchain Unical to spread awareness of blockchain technology in University Of Calabar and its environs, the blockchain club has partnered with top crypto projects to host different blockchain events in the school and in Cross River State generally. Notably are:

• In 2022, Blockchain UNICAL partnered with the ambassadors of AAX Exchange to host monthly meetups in the school. This indeed helped to onboard a lot of new people to the community.

• Another notable visit and partnership was from Mara, A leading blockchain ecosystem and Coin W, a Cryptocurrency exchange in 2022 and June 2023 respectively.

• In February 2023, The world leading exchange Binance, also visited the State.

• In October, 2023 blockchain UNICAL partnered with the Fonchain community to further spread crypto awareness.

Profits

Since its launch in 2022, the community has onboarded hundreds of students into the web3 space.

For the past 1 year the club has seen newbies grow from zero to having hundreds of dollars. Community members have learnt new skills

and are steadily building a career in block chain technology field depending on their chosen niche.

The club focuses on making an impact and setting up a platform for students to better themselves, use the blockchain to build a career, and along the line achieve financial independence.

Currently the mentorship program is free and the club is actively seeking potential funding avenues, as the community is currently reliant on self-funding.

Socials

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchain-unical/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlockchainUCCt=WJUrpz1JLO6H1mELmAj1rg&s=09

Sources

https://twitter.com/BlockchainUCC/status/1569283216405856256?t=AwWKGltEopi47I7fbz3lhQ&s=19

https://twitter.com/bsc_daily/status/1665392114388049920?t=6vPjn3QjJuOcPUybFg3VVw&s=19

https://twitter.com/Diamundlabs/status/1632666686342963200?t=agmpfcFVywWna95E4svBoQ&s=19

https://twitter.com/ekolance/status/1630878329862516736?t=jeeOFgR5AwJfeUAZja2RAg&s=19

https://twitter.com/BlockchainUCC/status/1594013825937723394?t=MtuVPBOEMabb_3lJjWHlrQ&s=19

https://twitter.com/BlockchainUCC/status/1697878030440354055?t=0BuvCSB0yxH4_o1IY66liA&s=19