The Federal Government has committed ₦12 billion to establish National Digital Economy Research Clusters across Nigerian universities, positioning academic institutions at the centre of policy development for the country's digital transformation agenda.
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced the initiative on Saturday alongside a call for expressions of interest, describing the programme as designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria's digital transformation.
"Today my heart is filled with deep joy as we announce the Expression of Interest for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, a ₦12 billion research funding scheme designed to place ideas, evidence, and research at the centre of Nigeria's digital transformation," Tijani stated.
The programme is being funded under Project BRIDGE, a federal initiative to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across Nigeria to expand connectivity and enable a modern digital economy.
Six national research clusters will be established across key pillars of the digital economy, including connectivity and meaningful use; digital public infrastructure and government services; digital skills and human capital development; digital economy and jobs; online trust and consumer protection; as well as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The clusters will be led by up to 36 professors drawn from Nigerian universities, working alongside international academic partners, with more than 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, expected to generate policy relevant research.
The Minister noted that as the government expands digital infrastructure nationwide, research backed approaches are required to ensure inclusive benefits.
"As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage, thoughtful, evidence based approaches are required to be deployed in society to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment. Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence, and long term thinking," the statement read.
Tijani described the initiative as one of the ministry's most meaningful programmes, noting that it is intended to produce ideas that will outlast any single administration.
"For me, the goal goes beyond research output. We are looking for better policies that lead to stronger institutions and a more prosperous society. Because nations that lead the future are not simply those that deploy infrastructure; they are the ones that cultivate ideas," the Minister stated.
The ministry invited academic and research institutions interested in participating to review the Terms of Reference released alongside the expression of interest and submit proposals to lead or collaborate within the national research clusters.
A press conference will be held in the coming week to provide further details and engagement opportunities for vice chancellors and research institutions across the country.
