The impact of blockchain technology is silently sweeping through several spheres of life. It is presently triggering changes in the way we interact with digital information especially with creation and storage of sensitive documents online.
Today, our spotlight focuses on the knowledge industry – Blockchain Technology is eliminating issues of certificate forgery and loss amongst others.
A Light in the Academic Tunnel
Blockchain technology presents an opportunity for the academic history of a person to be securely documented. No more lost papers, and definitely no more uncertainty about whether your qualifications are real or not. Its decentralized, secure, and transparent nature makes it ideal for use in industries where trust, security, and efficiency are of paramount importance.
Each academic achievement becomes part of an unbreakable chain, affirming the legitimacy of the entire educational journey—a far cry from grades on a piece of paper.
What problems will this solve?
1. CREDENTIAL FRAUD
We have heard and seen a lot of stories about credential fraud, especially when people misrepresent their qualifications to obtain opportunities they’re not qualified for.
It happens more often than you think. This leads to poor job performance or safety concerns in certain professions. Traditional certificates are like an open playground for forgery, but blockchain can create a tamper-proof shield against fraudsters.
2. VERIFICATION DELAYS
In the traditional system, verifying your academic credentials often involves a lengthy and time-consuming procedure. Employers need to contact your educational institution, wait for a response, and sometimes even pay a fee for the verification process.
Tertiary admissions Institutions like Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) experience the same verification challenges when processing course application forms.
Human resources departments spend a lot of resources on certificate verification as well.
With blockchain, the verification process becomes as swift as sending a text message. Here, your academic credentials are securely stored in a digital format on the blockchain. When the employer needs to verify your qualifications, they don’t have to navigate through bureaucratic procedures. They can instantly access and confirm the authenticity of your credentials with just a few clicks. Blockchain turns verification delays into a thing of the past, making the hiring process smoother and more efficient for everyone involved.
3 . ADMINISTRATIVE INEFFICIENCIES
In a traditional system, administrative inefficiencies can lead to delays, errors, and a lot of frustration. With blockchain, mundane administrative tasks become quick and efficient, freeing up time for what truly matters – your education. It’s like upgrading from a clunky, outdated system to a sleek, user-friendly platform that simplifies the entire administrative process.
Through the employment of Blockchain’s smart contracts, forms are created, filled and properly stored at the same time. Administrative tasks are completed seamlessly and secured.
Countries Embracing Blockchain: Ethiopia’s Bold Move
Numerous countries are adopting blockchain technology in their education sector. In 2021, Ethiopia, in its ambitious journey to digitize its economy and services, initiated the modernization of its education system through blockchain. The country announced the rollout of a blockchain-based national identification and results recording system, aiming to digitally verify grades, remotely monitor school performance, and enhance education and employment opportunities across the nation. It is strategically implemented in elementary schools to herald the next generation into secure academic documentation.
Blockchain’s Unique Proposal
It is clear that blockchain technology offers a decentralized and tamper-proof solution for verifying academic credentials. Adoption of this technology in the academic sector will ensure the following:
DATA INTEGRITY
Blockchain’s immutability ensures that once a credential is recorded, it cannot be altered or tampered with. This maintains the integrity of academic records and prevents fraud.
TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST
Blockchain enables a transparent and auditable record of academic credentials, fostering trust and reducing reliance on intermediaries.
EFFICIENCY AND COST SAVINGS
Blockchain-based verification systems eliminate the need for manual checks and document verification, streamlining processes and reducing administrative burdens.
DIGITAL CREDENTIALS
Blockchain enables the issuance of secure digital credentials that can be easily shared, stored, and accessed, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
Education is evolving, and blockchain is leading the way. From defeating credential fraud to ensuring global recognition, blockchain is rewriting the rules.
Blockchain Tech influences all areas of education so fast that it makes us wonder – What else can this technology bring? Isn’t it time our University Admissions system starts looking into how Blockchain technology can simplify her present systems?
With many Africans migrating to Euro-Western Countries for academic pursuits, there’s an ever pressing need for a common system of academic verification and storage.
Stay with us as we explore more of how blockchain technology is changing our everyday lives. Join us next week as we explore how African countries are positioning themselves for the Blockchain Revolution.
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