BRIDGE Initiative Launched to Mobilise Diaspora Expertise for National Development

Nigeria’s Ministry of Education has launched a groundbreaking initiative called BRIDGE, an acronym for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Engagementto connect skilled Nigerians in the diaspora with strategic sectors at home.

Education Minister Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa unveiled the initiative during a meeting with the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

According to Dr. Alausa, BRIDGE features a digital dashboard developed to match diaspora professionals with opportunities in education, health, STEM+M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences), and technical and vocational training.

“The Nigerian diaspora is one of our most valuable yet underutilised assets,” he said. “BRIDGE gives us a functional tool to align their expertise with institutional needs.”

The dashboard, supported by TETFund and built with volunteer input, is scheduled for launch on July 28, 2025. It will also serve as a unified data platform for tracking diaspora impact and coordinating logistics with local institutions.

Dr. Dabiri-Erewa described the initiative as a “strategic bridge between global knowledge and local application,” noting that it aligns with NiDCOM’s broader goal of integrating diaspora professionals into national development.

“This is more than just a tech solution,” she said. “It’s a national call for skilled Nigerians abroad to contribute meaningfully to rebuilding their country.”

She confirmed that the upcoming National Diaspora Day, set for July 25–26, 2025, will spotlight the BRIDGE platform as a model of effective diaspora engagement. Top diaspora scholars, innovators, and industry leaders are expected to participate in the event.

NiDCOM and the Ministry of Education are working jointly to ensure the success of the launch and to promote mutual respect, transparency, and collaboration between stakeholders at home and abroad.