The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the launch of the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under Task BRIDGE, a significant effort focused on repositioning Nigerian universities as centres of development, entrepreneurship, and worldwide competitiveness.
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the initiative is designed to line up education, research study, and digital infrastructure to speed up Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
“The initiative aligns education, research, and digital infrastructure to drive Nigeria’s shift to a knowledge-based economy,” Alausa mentioned.
He disclosed that Job BRIDGE, valued at $2 billion, will release over 90,000 kilometres of fiber optic infrastructure to connect universities and other crucial institutions throughout the nation.
According to the minister, the Research Clusters will concentrate on 6 priority locations: connection, digital public infrastructure, digital skills, digital economy, trust and security, and expert system.
“The program is designed to guarantee research study produces practical results such as policy options, developments, and task development,” he added.
Alausa even more noted that the effort matches ongoing reforms, consisting of EIBIC, the Trainee Equity Capital Grant, and efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN).
Likewise speaking, the Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, emphasised the importance of research study and regional expertise in driving digital transformation.
“Research and regional understanding stay crucial to advancing Nigeria’s digital improvement,” Tijani said, keeping in mind that programmes such as the 3MTT effort and the National AI Strategy will support the effort.
The Federal government reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging digital innovation as a crucial driver of financial growth and national advancement.
The declaration was signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry.