Chidimma Uchegbu
The Federal Government on Monday unveiled a landmark initiative- the Diaspora Bridge Program that connects diaspora professionals with institutions in Nigeria for research, teaching, mentorship and innovation.
A bold and strategic mechanism crafted by the Federal Ministry of Education to reconnect, realign, and reimagine the power of Nigerian intellect and expertise around the world.
It was unveiled by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia at State House in Abuja stressing that BRIDGE is not just another government program. It is a symbol of restoring trust, a framework for renewed partnership, and a strategic pillar in Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“For too long, the collaboration between Nigerian-based professionals and our brothers and sisters in the diaspora has been fragmented by distance, by bureaucracy, and — most critically — by a deficit of trust. Today, through BRIDGE, we are laying the foundation to repair that trust with intentionality, transparency, and inclusivity.
“This program recognizes a simple truth: that Nigeria’s greatest asset is its people — both at home and abroad. Our scholars, scientists, technologists, teachers, doctors, and innovators are scattered across the globe, achieving great things and raising the Nigerian flag high in every corner of the world. What we lacked was a system to harness their passion and expertise in a structured, dignified, and sustainable manner. That is what BRIDGE provides.
“We are not only opening doors, we are redesigning the architecture of collaboration. We are saying to our diaspora: You belong. You matter. You are needed. And we are saying to our institutions: You will no longer be left behind in the global conversation.
The Renewed Hope Agenda is about rebuilding our country from within, while drawing strength from our global extensions. BRIDGE is a prime example of this — a policy that not only uplifts education and research but fosters unity, drives innovation, and ignites national pride.
As Vice President of this great nation, I pledge our continued support to ensure that this program grows, evolves, and delivers on its promise. We will protect the integrity of its implementation, empower the institutions that participate in it, and elevate the professionals — both home and abroad — who make it a success.
“Let us today declare that we are no longer a country divided by geography, but united by purpose. Let us BRIDGE the divide. Let us build the Nigeria we all know is possible.
Earlier, the Minister of Education , DR. Tunji Alausa in his welcome address said that the Diaspora BRIDGE program is a Bridging Research, Innovation, Development & Global Engagement, designed to create structured, meaningful engagement between our institutions and Nigerians in the diaspora. For decades, we have watched the migration of talent — doctors, engineers, scientists, researchers, and teachers — many of whom now lead and contribute to some of the most advanced institutions in the world.
According to him,” With BRIDGE, we are no longer asking if they can come back, but how we can enable their knowledge and contributions to enrich our institutions even from afar.
“Through BRIDGE, we are launching a digital platform that allows for collaborative teaching, mentorship, joint research, capacity-building, and policy innovation — all driven by diaspora and home based professionals alike. It will offer flexible channels for virtual and physical engagement, and empower universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and teaching hospitals to define their specific needs and match them with global Nigerian expertise. In doing so, we will not only close gaps in education and research, but raise Nigeria’s academic standing in the world.
“This is not merely a Ministry of Education project. It is a national project — one that aligns with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his vision to harness our full human capital potential. BRIDGE has already been integrated with the TETFund’s TERAS platform, to ensure transparency, effective funding disbursement, and ease of access for institutions and collaborators alike.
“To our diaspora professionals — this is your invitation to reconnect. Not as outsiders looking in, but as co-builders of a better Nigerian education system. To our institutions — BRIDGE will help you access talent, partnerships, and innovation from beyond our borders. And to our students — BRIDGE is a promise that your education will prepare you to compete and lead in the global knowledge economy, he concluded.
