FG Launches Diaspora BRIDGE to Connect Nigerian Academics Abroad with Local Institutions

The Federal Government will on Monday, July 28, 2025, unveil Diaspora BRIDGE, a digital platform designed to link Nigerian professionals and academics in the diaspora with universities and research institutions across the country.

The initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Education, aims to enhance academic collaboration, boost research output, and strengthen institutional capacity by leveraging the expertise of Nigerians abroad. The official launch will take place at the State House, Abuja, and will be presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, with the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, in attendance.

Diaspora BRIDGE short for BridgingResearch, Innovation, Development, and Global Engagement will allow diaspora experts to showcase their specializations and connect directly with local tertiary institutions. Universities, polytechnics, and research bodies will also be able to signal specific academic and research needs, enabling targeted and structured collaborations.

According to a statement by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, the platform will feature tools for virtual engagement, project tracking, and academic matching.

 It will also align with government systems such as the Tertiary Education Research Applications System (TERAS) to ensure transparency and measurable impact.

The Ministry emphasized that Diaspora BRIDGE is designed to foster long-term, knowledge-driven partnerships that support Nigeria’s development goals in education, innovation, and research. The public can follow the launch live on select TV stations, while more details on registration and access will be available at www.diaspora-bridge.ng following the event