By Margaret Ebeshi
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has articulated that the Bridging Research, Innovation, Development and Global Engagement initiative (BRIDGE) represents a pivotal effort in utilising the expertise of Nigerian professionals residing in the diaspora to stimulate advancements in the nation’s education and health sectors.
The Minister stated this when he received the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to a strategic meeting on strengthening diaspora engagement.
Dr Alausa explained that the BRIDGE initiative includes a digital dashboard developed by the Ministry of Education to connect diaspora professionals with local institutions.
He stated that the platform is designed to unify Nigeria’s Educational Data for a brighter future through partnerships, logistical support, and to track the impact of diaspora contributions, especially in technical and vocational education, STEM+M (Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences) fields.
Despite initial delays due to funding constraints, Dr Alausa noted that Tetfund support and volunteer contributions helped fast-track the completion of the dashboard, which is now scheduled for launch on July 28, 2025.
He underscored the significance of the initiative, drawing comparisons with countries like Japan and South Korea, which have successfully leveraged the expertise of citizens trained in the diaspora to strengthen local systems.
“The Nigerian diaspora is one of our greatest untapped resources. With tools like the BRIDGE platform, we are not only reconnecting with our people in the diaspora, we are matching their skills with real institutional needs at home,” he said.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa applauded the Ministry’s foresight and described the BRIDGE platform as a timely and necessary innovation for deepening diaspora engagement.
She noted that the initiative aligns seamlessly with NiDCOM’s broader strategy of integrating diaspora professionals into national development, particularly through the Commission’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, which helps identify, verify, and connect skilled Nigerians in the diaspora with opportunities back home.
According to her, “This is more than a dashboard, it is an invitation for our diaspora to take up space in rebuilding Nigeria’s future, side by side with professionals on the ground.”
She added that the upcoming National Diaspora Day (NDD), held from July 25–26, 2025 would spotlight the BRIDGE initiative as a core example of how structured diaspora engagement can translate into impact.
“We are expecting top diaspora scholars, innovators, and industry leaders to be part of this year’s event, and BRIDGE offers the perfect model of how to blend diaspora expertise with national priorities,” she stated.
Dabiri-Erewa also emphasised the importance of mutual respect, open communication, and clearly defined governance in all diaspora programmes, adding that real success lies in creating a collaborative ecosystem that values both home-grown and diaspora contributions.
She commended the commitment of the Ministry of Education under Dr Alausa for driving the BRIDGE initiative, adding that NiDCOM is working closely with the Ministry to ensure a successful launch event, with the active involvement of key stakeholders.