The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the launch of the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under Project BRIDGE, a significant initiative focused on repositioning Nigerian universities as centres of innovation, entrepreneurship, and international competitiveness.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated the effort is created to align education, research, and digital infrastructure to speed up Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
“The initiative lines up education, research study, and digital infrastructure to drive Nigeria’s shift to a knowledge-based economy,” Alausa stated.
He revealed that Project BRIDGE, valued at $2 billion, will release over 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure to link universities and other vital organizations throughout the nation.
According to the minister, the Research study Clusters will concentrate on 6 concern areas: connectivity, digital public facilities, digital skills, digital economy, trust and safety, and artificial intelligence.
“The program is developed to make sure research produces useful results such as policy options, innovations, and task development,” he added.
Alausa even more noted that the initiative complements ongoing reforms, including EIBIC, the Trainee Venture Capital Grant, and efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN).
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, emphasised the importance of research study and local know-how in driving digital transformation.
“Research and regional knowledge remain vital to advancing Nigeria’s digital improvement,” Tijani said, noting that programmes such as the 3MTT initiative and the National AI Method will support the effort.
The Federal government reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging digital development as a crucial motorist of financial growth and nationwide advancement.
The declaration was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry.