The Federal Government has launched the Diaspora BRIDGE Platform, a digital innovation designed to foster structured collaboration between Nigerian professionals in the diaspora and tertiary institutions across the Country.
Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, speaking at the launch of the platform on Monday in Abuja, described it as a “defining moment” for Nigeria’s education and innovation sectors.
According to him, the initiative targets Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and Research Institutions, enabling them to leverage global expertise in areas critical to national development, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEM-M).
“This is not merely a project; it is a flagship initiative that gives practical expression to the Renewable Agenda, an agenda that seeks to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s human capital by deploying knowledge, technology, and purposeful partnerships.
“As a medical doctor who was trained here in Nigeria, I practice globally and I return home to serve. I understand deeply the immense value that diaspora professionals represent”, the minister added.
Through the BRIDGE Platform, Nigerian scholars and professionals living abroad can register by submitting their credentials and areas of expertise.
The system then matches them with institutions based on academic and research needs, creating pathways for virtual mentorship, collaborative teaching, physical sabbaticals, joint research, curriculum development, and institutional capacity-building.
Alausa emphasised that the platform would be integrated with existing educational infrastructure like TETFund’s Tertiary Education Research, Applications and Services (TERRACE) platform to ensure transparency, continuity, and accountability in engagements.
Also speaking at the event, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), commended the initiative as a long-awaited game changer in connecting Nigeria’s global talent pool to the local education ecosystem.
“We’ve engaged with the diaspora for years, and many have given back in different ways, especially in healthcare and academia. But this BRIDGE Platform creates a structure that simplifies and institutionalises that process”, she said
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted ongoing contributions by diaspora Nigerians, including the donation of medical equipment to Enugu State by a Canadian-based Nigerian professional, underscoring the impact such engagement can have.
She urged Nigerian professionals abroad to take full advantage of the BRIDGE Platform by organising webinars, sharing specialised knowledge, supporting students, and establishing exchange and scholarship programmes.
“We implore you to connect with students and young professionals to provide guidance and support in their academic and career paths. Organise workshops, webinars, and online and physical courses to share your specialised skills and knowledge in various fields.
“Collaborate with institutions in Nigeria to establish exchange programs, joint research projects, and faculty development initiatives. Contribute to scholarships, bursaries, and educational and infrastructural development to ensure wider access to quality education,” Dabiri-Erewa added
But, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented at the event, reiterated the President Bola Tinubu-led Administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector and strengthening national development through strategic diaspora engagement.
The BRIDGE Platform is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to position Nigeria as a global knowledge economy by tapping into its vast human capital abroad.
