Federal government launches platform to connect diasporas to local institutions

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Diaspora BRIDGE Platform, a digital initiative to harness the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora for national development in STEM-M fields. Here's what you need to know:

*Key Features:*

- *Digital Platform*: A space for diaspora professionals to connect with local institutions, register, and upload their credentials.
- *Collaboration Tools*: Includes virtual seminars, e-learning modules, collaboration tracking, and a searchable directory of experts.
- *Project Monitoring*: Integrated with TETFund's TERAS for transparent project monitoring.

*Benefits:*

- *Reversing Brain Drain*: Aims to turn brain drain into brain gain by connecting diaspora professionals with local institutions.
- *National Development*: Expected to advance national development goals in STEM-M fields.
- *Capacity Building*: Facilitates capacity building and innovation in local institutions.

*Stakeholder Reactions:*

- *Vice President Kashim Shettima*: Described the initiative as "a symbol of restored trust" and "a strategic pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda".
- *Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa*: Hailed the platform as a "bold and transformative step" to restore Nigeria's intellectual capital and global partnerships.
- *NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa*: Lauded the initiative as a "game-changer" that will redefine diaspora contributions to nation-building.

The platform was launched on July 28, 2025, at the State House in Abuja, and is accessible via (link unavailable). This initiative aims to position Nigeria as a global knowledge economy by tapping into its vast human capital abroad.

The Diaspora BRIDGE Platform is a digital initiative launched by the Federal Government of Nigeria to connect Nigerian professionals and academics in the diaspora with tertiary institutions and research bodies across the country. Here's what you need to know:

*Key Features:*

- *User Profiles*: Diaspora professionals can register, upload their credentials, and showcase their areas of specialization.
- *Project Listings*: Local institutions can publish specific needs, and diaspora experts can collaborate on demand-driven projects.
- *Virtual Collaboration Tools*: The platform includes video chat, document sharing, and synchronous research collaboration features.
- *Project Tracking & Transparency*: Integration with TETFund's TERAS ensures projects are traceable, transparent, and aligned with national education priorities.

*Objectives:*

- *Tapping into Diaspora Expertise*: Enable Nigerian academics and professionals abroad to contribute to national development.
- *Addressing Institutional Needs*: Allow local universities and research institutions to articulate specific needs and engage with diaspora experts.
- *Promoting Virtual Collaboration*: Support remote scholarly interaction through virtual meetings, document sharing, and real-time communications.

*Benefits:*

- *Boost Research Output*: Stimulate collaborative publications, joint grants, and innovative projects.
- *Elevate Institutional Capacity*: Provide high-caliber mentorship and expertise to elevate teaching quality and research standards.
- *Drive Global Engagement*: Position Nigeria as an active player in international knowledge networks, promoting global intellectual interchange.

*Accessing the Platform:*

The Diaspora BRIDGE Platform is accessible via (link unavailable), where users can register, create profiles, browse partnership opportunities, and manage collaborations through a project dashboard.