FG Launches Diaspora BRIDGE Initiative to Link Nigerian Experts Abroad with Local Institutions

The Federal Government has officially launched the Diaspora BRIDGE Initiative, a national program designed to connect Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with local academic and research institutions through structured collaborations.

The unveiling ceremony, held in Abuja on Monday, was led by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who described the initiative as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s intellectual base and global research partnerships.

“BRIDGE, Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Engagement, is a transformative step. It provides a coordinated platform for collaborative teaching, mentorship, research, and capacity-building between diaspora and home-based professionals,” Dr. Alausa said.

Highlighting his personal connection to the project, the Minister noted: “As someone trained in Nigeria who returned to give back, I believe in this mission. BRIDGE is more than a policy; it’s a commitment to reintegrate global Nigerian talent into our development agenda.”

The Minister of State for Education also emphasized that the initiative draws inspiration from countries like India, China, and South Korea, which have successfully mobilized their diaspora communities for national development.

“This platform recognizes the diaspora not just as citizens abroad, but as strategic nation-builders. It offers a transparent and sustainable framework for long-term engagement,” he said, noting that BRIDGE would integrate with existing infrastructure like the TETFund’s TERAS system and align with regulatory bodies such as the NUC, NCCE, and NBTE.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was also present at the launch, lauded BRIDGE as a “symbol of restored trust” and a key pillar of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“For years, collaboration between our local institutions and diaspora professionals lacked structure. With BRIDGE, we are correcting that by creating a system that values expertise, promotes inclusivity, and ensures accountability,” he said.

Shettima reaffirmed the government’s full support, pledging to uphold the initiative’s integrity and empower the institutions and individuals involved.

The Diaspora BRIDGE Initiative is expected to enhance Nigeria’s academic and research landscape by enabling knowledge transfer, boosting institutional capacity, and tapping into global best practices through diaspora engagement.