In a move to deepen academic and research collaboration between Nigeria and its diaspora, the Federal Government is set to unveil Diaspora BRIDGE—a digital platform designed to connect Nigerian professionals and academics abroad with universities and research institutions across the country.
The launch of the platform will take place on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the State House in Abuja, and will be presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa. The event marks a significant milestone in the government's broader strategy to harness the expertise of Nigerians abroad to strengthen national capacity in education, research, and innovation.
Strategic Platform for Research, Innovation, and Development
Diaspora BRIDGE—short for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development, and Global Engagement—is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Education. The platform is envisioned as a structured channel through which Nigerian diaspora experts can share knowledge, mentor peers, and contribute to capacity-building efforts in Nigeria’s tertiary education and research ecosystem.
According to a statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the platform will allow diaspora professionals to register their areas of expertise and directly interface with local institutions that indicate specific research or academic needs.
“This initiative is not just about connecting people; it’s about addressing real gaps in our academic and research environment through targeted partnerships,” the statement noted.
Features and Institutional Integration
The Diaspora BRIDGE platform will include tools for virtual collaboration, academic matching, and project monitoring, making it possible for partnerships to be sustained across borders. Additionally, it will integrate with existing government systems such as the Tertiary Education Research Applications System (TERAS) to ensure alignment with national priorities and transparency in outcomes.
The Ministry emphasized that the platform supports demand-driven engagement, allowing local universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and research bodies to post specific requests for support—from curriculum development and guest lectures to joint research projects and capacity-building initiatives.
Driving Long-Term National Impact
At its core, Diaspora BRIDGE is designed to serve as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, economic development, and institutional transformation. By tapping into the global Nigerian intellectual community, the Federal Government aims to accelerate progress in education, science, technology, and innovation, while also fostering sustainable development.
The project aligns closely with national development goals and echoes global best practices in leveraging diaspora engagement for development.
Public Engagement and Access
The official unveiling will be live-streamed on select television stations. Members of the public and stakeholders in the education and research sectors are encouraged to participate virtually and stay informed about how to access and use the platform.
Further information, including registration guidelines and usage protocols, will be available at the official website: www.diaspora-bridge.ng following the launch.
As Nigeria takes this strategic step to deepen ties with its global knowledge community, Diaspora BRIDGE represents a promising model for international collaboration with local impact.