By Epiphanus Obia
The Federal Government has announced plans to host a series of Virtual Open Days for universities and research institutions ahead of the rollout of its ₦12 billion National Digital Economy Research Clusters (NDERC) programme.
The initiative, organised by the Project BRIDGE Implementation Unit under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, is aimed at guiding academic institutions on how to access the research fund.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the sessions will be held over three days and are targeted at Vice-Chancellors, Rectors and Directors of Research, with a focus on clarifying eligibility criteria, consortium requirements and the application process.
The NDERC programme, valued at approximately ₦12 billion, is part of the government’s broader effort to reposition Nigerian universities as centres of innovation and problem-solving within the digital economy. Officials said the move reflects a shift away from reliance on external expertise towards locally driven research and solutions.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, had earlier stated that Nigeria must generate its own insights to address local challenges, rather than depend solely on ideas developed elsewhere.
The research programme will be structured around six thematic areas, including connectivity, digital public infrastructure, digital skills, job creation, trust and safety, and artificial intelligence. Each cluster is expected to receive significant funding and will be led by a Nigerian university working in collaboration with other institutions.
Under the framework, participating universities are required to form consortia of four to six institutions, with provisions for international partnerships to strengthen research quality and global relevance.
The government said the programme will adopt a results-driven approach, with funding tied to measurable outputs such as policy briefs, academic publications and engagements that directly inform public policy and national development.
The initiative is being implemented under Project BRIDGE, a World Bank-supported programme designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem. Authorities noted that the research clusters are intended to complement ongoing investments in broadband expansion, including the planned 90,000-kilometre national fibre network.
The deadline for the submission of Expressions of Interest has been fixed for April 13, 2026, with officials urging eligible institutions to take advantage of the Virtual Open Days to finalise their proposals.
The programme is also expected to support capacity building within the academic system, with lead researchers required to mentor doctoral and postdoctoral candidates as part of efforts to develop long-term expertise in the digital sector.
The first session of the Virtual Open Days is scheduled to commence on April 7.