A startup’s mission to create tech leaders from Nigeria’s classrooms

As artificial intelligence gain sway across the world, keeping up with the rapid advances in technology has never been more pressing. While Western nations race to stay at the forefront of digital innovation, countries like Nigeria face a daunting challenge: the digital divide, aggravated by limited access to basic education, threatens to leave many behind in this new era.

Helping to bridge this gap,  however, is Know the Blocks Maven (KBM), an Edu-tech hub that is focused on training young adults in technology-based skills such as Web 3, blockchain and fintech. KBM attempts to fill the gap in classroom learning by empowering school kids with relevant digital skills, thereby raising a generation of tech-savvy youths that is at par with Western learners.  “Traditional schools don’t introduce tech to their students in spite of the fact that it is the in thing in today’s world,” says Oshioriamen Agbomekhe, KBM’s Head of Administration. “We saw this as a loophole that needed to be filled. Many graduates don’t even know how to use an excel spreadsheet properly so what we do is to provide them with not just the basic computer knowledge but other relevant tech skills.”

Since its inception in 2021, KBM has carried out extensive campaigns in many different secondary schools across Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, training more than 3000 secondary pupils. Following its unique educational goal, the outfit received an endorsement from the federal ministry of education to tutor all secondary schools within the FCT. Secondary schools offer a slot for digital learning in their timetables, which allows KBM tutors to coach the students on emerging concepts in Web 3 and basic programming.

Through Web 3 clubs established in many secondary schools, Know the Blocks Maven is reaching thousands of students every day, offering them a chance to become global tech leaders. Not only does KBM provide this education at no financial cost, but it also offers scholarships to underprivileged students who show great potential and interest in technology.

“My experience in the coding class exceeded my expectations,” says one of the many secondary students who have benefited from KBM’s free classes. “The class was very educative, and the instructors were committed to ensuring that we learnt HTML and CSS in a short time.”

Another student shares, “Despite knowing a little about scripting languages, learning from the KBM instructors was the best thing. The classes were fun, interactive, and exciting.”

“I’m thrilled to receive this opportunity for free blockchain training,” adds another beneficiary. “I’m excited to learn and contribute to the blockchain industry.”

KBM was founded by Mrs. Ayomide Arowolo, a blockchain developer, community manager, and educator with a passion for empowering young people. Her vision for KBM was inspired by her own experiences as a young Nigerian graduate who struggled to find a job until she learnt a tech skill and joined a community of tech professionals. She aspires to make these skills more accessible to young people and create a global community that fosters networking and collaboration in the tech space.

Arowolo’s goal is to help young Nigerians overcome the challenges of unemployment and achieve financial independence early in life. In a country with a high unemployment rate, initiatives like KBM are essential. Many young Nigerians, including university graduates, pursue skill acquisition to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world. However, these critical skills are often absent from the standard educational curriculum in Nigerian secondary schools, making organisations like Know the Blocks Maven vital.

In just a few years, KBM has garnered national recognition and accolades. It was named the Best Social Enterprise by ETH Global, and its work continues to expand. With webinars and conferences planned in the coming months, KBM is set to extend its reach beyond Nigeria, spreading its impact across Africa—one young person at a time.