FG launches N12bn digital research clusters in shift to knowledge economy

The Federal Government has launched the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under the BRIDGE project, a N12 billion initiative bringing together over 200 researchers from universities nationwide to generate data-driven solutions for development challenges. The announcement was made by Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

These research clusters will focus on connectivity, digital public infrastructure, skills development, job creation, online safety, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The Ministry of Education is partnering to align academic research with national priorities, with Minister Tunji Alausa emphasising universities as innovation hubs rather than just learning centres.

This marks a strategic shift from infrastructure expansion—such as the planned 90,000km fibre optic deployment—toward the knowledge and evidence-based policymaking that Tijani says will sustain the digital economy's growing GDP contribution. The initiative aims to ensure local insights directly shape policy and technology adoption.

The success will depend on translating research into actionable policies across sectors. This signals a long-term commitment to moving beyond hardware to intellectual infrastructure.

How will this research focus affect Nigeria's ability to create tech jobs and compete globally—and what specific opportunities might emerge for skilled professionals and graduates in the coming years?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/01/fg-invests-n12bn-in-digital-economy-research-project/