Good day, my Hive family!
Yesterday was one of those unforgettable days in my academic journey, and I’m excited to share it with you all. It was the 61st inaugural lecture at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU)—and trust me, it was an experience worth remembering!
The Surprise of a Lifetime
I had no idea that one of Africa’s pioneers in cryptocurrency is actually a professor at my university! The moment I heard the news, I knew I couldn’t miss it for anything. The entire campus was buzzing in anticipation—even people who knew nothing about crypto were talking about it. And when the day finally arrived, the lecture hall was packed with students and lecturers alike.
What Is an Inaugural Lecture?
For those unfamiliar with the term, an inaugural lecture is a formal public lecture delivered by a newly promoted professor to mark their elevation to full professorship. It’s both an academic and ceremonial event.
Our guest of honour had served as an associate professor for 12 years before attaining full professorship, and yesterday, we all gathered to celebrate that achievement.
The Topic: Cryptocurrency in Focus
As a proud cryptocurrency enthusiast, I was excited beyond words when I found out that the lecture topic was focused on cryptocurrency. I was present, body and soul, ready to absorb knowledge from one of Africa’s leading minds in the field.
Before the lecture began, the Master of Ceremony read out the professor’s long list of achievements, and that was when it hit me just how influential he is—not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.
He began his lecture by defining cryptocurrency, explaining that it is both virtual and digital money. His goal, he said, was to break the topic down in a way that even a layman could understand. And true to his word, the lecture was packed with clear, practical insights.
Key Points from the Lecture
✅ Advantages of Cryptocurrency
Efficient Transactions He shared how he once received $500 from Canada within minutes—a perfect example of how fast and cost-effective crypto transfers can be.
Transparency Every transaction is recorded on the blockchain, making the system extremely transparent.
Decentralization No central bank or government controls crypto. This gives individuals full control over their finances and eliminates monetary monopolies.
Accessibility Anyone with a smartphone and internet connection can participate. He emphasized this to his villagers who came to support him, telling them that they too can be part of the future of finance.
❌ Disadvantages of Cryptocurrency
Price Volatility The value of cryptocurrencies can rise and fall dramatically. He joked that one could sleep a billionaire and wake up broke—or vice versa. The hall roared with laughter, but the point was clear.
Lack of Regulation While this allows for freedom, it also means there’s no safety net. No one can reverse a failed transaction, and errors can be costly.
Irreversible Payments Mistakes during transactions can lead to permanent losses. Precision is key.
Despite the risks, he emphasized that knowledge is the key to managing these disadvantages. With the right mentorship, anyone can navigate the crypto world successfully.
A Proposal That Blew Our Minds
At the end of his lecture, the professor dropped a major announcement: He’s organizing free mentorship sessions with crypto professionals for those interested in learning more!
He also highlighted the stability of coins like USDT and USDC, saying that many Nigerians now save in stablecoins to protect themselves against naira inflation. His advice?
“Only invest what you can afford to lose. Losses are part of the game—but knowledge is your best defense.”
He concluded by declaring that cryptocurrency is the future, especially for countries like Nigeria battling inflation.
A Revolutionary Step for Our University
He revealed that he had already proposed to the university’s Vice Chancellor to include cryptocurrency as a course starting next semester—and that the university is also exploring the possibility of using crypto for official payments!
The crowd went wild with joy, chanting “Professor! Professor!” in appreciation.
The Vice Chancellor’s Closing Words
In a surprising appearance, our Vice Chancellor took the mic to commend the lecture. He humorously expressed his one regret: that there was no Q&A session for students to ask questions. Still, he praised the professor for an excellent presentation and confirmed that the university will indeed implement cryptocurrency as a course starting next semester. This will make MOUAU one of the first universities in Nigeria to do so!
And with that, the 61st Inaugural Lecture was officially brought to a close.
📸 All photos were personally taken by me during the event.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. This was a day I won’t forget, and I hope it inspires you to explore the world of cryptocurrency too. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!