The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has taken a step further towards ensuring that Nigeria becomes a digital hub through human capacity building.
To strengthen the nation’s digital workforce and support inclusive socio-economic growth, the DBI is partnering with the government of Plateau State in North Central to establish a state-of-the-art campus in Jos, the state capital.
Already, a Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) has been constituted by the DBI and the Plateau State Government to guide planning, coordination, and its implementation.
Governor of Plateau State, Mr Caleb Mutfwang and the President of DBI, David Daser, jointly inaugurated the technical working group at a ceremony held at the Twin Theatre of the Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
The initiative will serve as a Centre of Excellence for ICT education, research, innovation, and job creation.
It is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital workforce, foster entrepreneurship and support inclusive socio-economic growth.
In his address, Governor Mutfwang said the inauguration of the working group marks a significant milestone for the state’s technology-driven future and described the partnership as a historic turning point with far-reaching implications for the youth in the state.
“ICT has been a long-standing priority for us, but with this collaboration, we can now anticipate concrete milestones that will fast-track e-governance, e-commerce, and other ICT-driven opportunities in Plateau State,” the governor said.
He commended the DBI President for facilitating the siting of the Institute’s campus in the state and expressed appreciation to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for supporting the initiative.
He pledged full government backing for the project and assured that the government would provide all necessary support to ensure its success.
He said, “We are eager to see deliverables within the shortest possible time. Whatever we need to do as a government to make this succeed, we shall do, by the grace of God.”
The governor charged the JTWG to deliver its mandate within the shortest possible time.
In his remarks, the President and CEO of DBI, Mr David Daser, said that DBI is restructuring into a national digital institute with a statutory mandate; hence, the initiative would position Plateau State not as a mere participant but as a key beneficiary of future funding opportunities.
He emphasised that DBI’s presence will unlock access to donor-funded scholarships, advanced training, and international outsourcing opportunities for Plateau youth.
Linking the initiative to the federal government’s Talent City Project and the planned fibre optic expansion, Daser described Plateau State “as strategically positioned to emerge as a regional hub for digital jobs and innovation.”
He also urged the Plateau State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Plateau State Startup Act, which he identified as a critical funding gateway for the state’s growing technology ecosystem.
He thanked the minister, Dr. Tijani, and the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, for their support for the DBI.
On behalf of the JTWG, Mr Samuel Jatau, a member of the group and Secretary to the Government of the State, assured the Governor and the DBI of the group’s unwavering commitment, adding, “We will do our best to ensure that within the shortest possible time, this partnership becomes a reality.”
The mandate of the JTWG is for a period of between 12 to 24 months.