The Industrial Liaison Department in partnership with Celo DAO, has successfully hosted a transformative workshop for students on blockchain technology on 30th May 2025.
The workshop was aimed at empowering students with practical skills to build decentralized applications on the Celo platform.
The session, facilitated by Celo Ghana leads Mr. Ernest Akakpo and Mr. Ebenezer Boateng, alongside guest blockchain innovators, introduced students to the fundamentals of blockchain, smart contract development and real-world applications of the Celo ecosystem.
In an interview on the sidelines of the workshop, Mr. Akakpo explained that,
“Celo is like a blockchain – just like Ethereum or Bitcoin – but it’s focused on Africa. Through Celo Africa DAO, we aim to expose students to the power of blockchain and the opportunities it presents. We’re teaching them not only what blockchain is but also how to build real applications on the Celo platform.”
He emphasized that blockchain is more than just digital currencies, citing the growing global demand for skills in smart contract development and Decentralized Finance (DeFi).
“For instance, a student from Accra Technical University recently secured an international opportunity as a smart contract developer. These are the kinds of prospects we want to open up for GCTU students,” he added.
During the hands-on session, participants were introduced to blockchain development languages and built a simple escrow application, demonstrating the value of the Celo platform.
The initiative is part of a broader series of campus outreach programmes run by Celo Ghana across the country, including workshops at KNUST, UCC, HTU, and UHAS. Mr. Akakpo noted that the engagement at GCTU had been particularly impressive, praising the students for their enthusiasm and curiosity.
“The turnout was great – over 50 students actively participated. They were really eager to learn, and that’s exactly what we want to see. We’re not just talking about blockchain – we’re helping students build on it.”
The event brought together more than 60 students from various Departments of the University, all eager to explore the world of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency. The workshop forms part of Celo DAO’s broader mission to promote financial inclusion and digital innovation across Africa.
The workshop concluded with a call for continuous learning, as participants were encouraged to join Celo’s developer communities and take advantage of further training and grant opportunities.
