FG Launches BRIDGE Platform To Tap Into Diaspora Talent

The Federal Government has launched the Diaspora BRIDGE Platform, a digital innovation designed to leverage the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora to advance national development goals in education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEM-M).

The platform enables Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to connect with local tertiary institutions for collaboration in research, teaching, innovation, and capacity building.

Speaking during the event at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja on Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima described the initiative as a symbol of restored trust, a framework for renewed partnership, and a strategic pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, described the BRIDGE programme as a deliberate effort to reconnect Nigeria’s greatest asset – its people – no matter where they are in the world.

“BRIDGE is not just another government programme; it is a deliberate effort to reconnect Nigeria’s greatest asset, its people, no matter where they are in the world.

“We are redesigning the architecture of collaboration, opening doors, and telling the diaspora, You belong, you matter and you are needed,” he said.

Shettima explained that tbe platform will bridge the gap between diaspora professionals and home institutions, reversing years of fragmentation caused by distance, bureaucracy, and mistrust.

The platform features virtual seminar hosting, e-learning modules, collaboration tracking, and a searchable directory of experts, as well as project life cycle monitoring.

Also speaking during his address, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, hailed the platform as a bold step to restore Nigeria’s intellectual capital and global partnerships.

“As someone who trained in Nigeria and excelled abroad, I understand the importance of giving back. BRIDGE is our answer to turning brain drain into brain gain, connecting those who left, with the institutions they once called home,” he said.

Alausa noted that BRIDGE will facilitate structured collaboration in teaching, mentorship, joint research, policy innovation, and project partnerships through a flexible digital platform.

He added that it will integrate with TETFund’s TERAS for transparent and seamless project monitoring.

Also speaking, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the platform as a “game-changer” that will redefine how the diaspora contributes to nation-building.

“This initiative is not just a digital hub, is a national bridge. We’ve spoken with the diaspora for years, but BRIDGE now provides them with a platform to engage meaningfully.

“We salute your sacrifices and urge you to share your knowledge, mentor our learners, organise workshops, and offer scholarships. Together, we will move Nigeria forward,” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa revealed that some Nigerian diaspora professionals have already started donating equipment and medical resources to support local institutions.

On his part, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who represented the state governors, described BRIDGE as an initiative that reconnects the diaspora with local institutions.

He emphasised the need to equip Nigerian graduates to compete globally and become local innovators, driving the country’s future growth.

Other stakeholders, including the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, praised the initiative as a necessary step towards deepening trust and shared responsibility between diaspora and local stakeholders.