The Federal Ministry of Education has introduced a new digital initiative called BRIDGE — Bridging Research, Innovation, Development, and Global Engagement — aimed at linking Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with local tertiary institutions and research centres.
Speaking on Channels Television, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described BRIDGE as a first-of-its-kind innovation designed to harness the expertise of Nigerians abroad in a structured, technology-driven way.
“This is the first time we are deliberately tapping into the rich resources of our diaspora community using a digital and organised system,” he said. “Nigerians are excelling globally, and we’re creating pathways for them to directly contribute to academic and research development at home.”
The BRIDGE platform functions as a digital matchmaking hub. Diaspora professionals can register their academic backgrounds, areas of expertise, and preferred methods of engagement—ranging from virtual teaching and curriculum design to collaborative research and mentoring. At the same time, Nigerian tertiary institutions register their specific needs, allowing the platform to connect them with the most suitable experts.
Alausa emphasised that BRIDGE is already operational, not just a theoretical framework. “This is not just an idea on paper. The system is live, structured, and fully monitored,” he said.
Support through the platform covers a range of academic needs, including curriculum updates, staff development, and virtual guest lectures. During the official launch, a Nigerian academic based at the University of York delivered a real-time lecture to students in Nigeria, showcasing the platform’s capability.
The initiative is expected to help address longstanding challenges in the education sector, such as the shortage of qualified lecturers and outdated academic content. By incorporating diaspora expertise, BRIDGE aims to introduce global best practices into Nigeria’s higher education system through flexible, remote collaboration.
Alausa noted that the move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision of advancing human capital development through education. “We’re shifting from brain drain to brain gain by making it possible for Nigerians abroad to contribute without having to relocate,” he said.
The platform embraces the global trend of borderless education, where knowledge-sharing happens across countries via digital means. It positions Nigeria to benefit from this evolving model, turning professional migration into an asset rather than a loss.
Though still in its early stages, BRIDGE has already received positive responses from academic communities both within and outside Nigeria. The minister highlighted the importance of continued funding, institutional support, and proper coordination for the platform’s success.
“With BRIDGE, we’re laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy,” Alausa said. “When we strengthen our education system, we also strengthen innovation, employment, governance, and national growth.”
The Federal Ministry of Education will oversee the platform’s rollout and evaluate its effectiveness in filling capacity gaps across Nigeria’s higher institutions.
