The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the launch of the National Digital Economy Research Study Clusters under Project BRIDGE, a significant effort aimed at rearranging Nigerian universities as centres of development, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.
Speaking on the advancement, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated the initiative is developed to align education, research study, and digital infrastructure to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
“The initiative aligns education, research, and digital infrastructure to drive Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-based economy,” Alausa stated.
He divulged that Project BRIDGE, valued at $2 billion, will deploy over 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic facilities to connect universities and other vital organizations throughout the country.
According to the minister, the Research Clusters will concentrate on six priority areas: connection, digital public infrastructure, digital skills, digital economy, trust and safety, and artificial intelligence.
“The programme is created to make sure research study produces practical outcomes such as policy solutions, developments, and job creation,” he added.
Alausa even more kept in mind that the effort complements ongoing reforms, consisting of EIBIC, the Student Venture Capital Grant, and efforts to reinforce the Nigerian Research study and Education Network (NgREN).
Also speaking, the Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, emphasised the importance of research study and local expertise in driving digital improvement.
“Research study and local understanding remain important to advancing Nigeria’s digital change,” Tijani said, keeping in mind that programmes such as the 3MTT effort and the National AI Technique will support the effort.
The Federal government reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging digital development as a crucial chauffeur of financial development and nationwide development.
The declaration was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry.