The Federal Government has opened applications for a ₦12 billion research funding initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital transformation through evidence-based policy and innovation.
The programme, known as the National Digital Economy Research Clusters, was announced by Dr. Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, via his LinkedIn page.
A Research-Driven Approach to Digital Transformation
According to Tijani, the initiative is designed to “place ideas, evidence and research at the centre of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” marking a shift from policy driven primarily by market forces and political cycles.
“Too often, the ideas shaping digital policy come predominantly from markets and political cycles rather than from research, evidence and long-term thinking,” he said.
He added that the programme reflects a broader ambition to ensure that Nigeria’s digital growth is guided by rigorous academic input and sustainable frameworks.
Backed by Project BRIDGE
The research clusters are being funded under Project BRIDGE, a flagship government initiative to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone infrastructure across the country.
The infrastructure project is expected to significantly expand broadband access and enable a more inclusive digital economy. However, Tijani stressed that infrastructure alone is not enough.
“As we deepen our digital infrastructure coverage, thoughtful, evidence-based approaches are required to ensure everyone benefits from this significant investment,” he noted.
Six Strategic Research Clusters
Under the programme, six national research clusters will be established across key areas of the digital economy:
- Connectivity, access, and meaningful use
- Digital public infrastructure and digital government
- Digital skills, education, and human capital
- Digital economy, jobs, and livelihoods
- Trust, safety, consumer protection, and online harms
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
Each cluster will be led by leading academics from Nigerian universities in collaboration with international partners.
Over 200 Researchers to Drive Policy Insights
The initiative will bring together up to 36 distinguished professors and more than 200 researchers, including postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, to generate policy-relevant insights.
Tijani emphasised that the goal goes beyond academic output, focusing instead on shaping practical policies that strengthen institutions and improve economic outcomes.
“For me, the goal goes beyond research output. We are looking for better policies that lead to stronger institutions and a more prosperous society,” he said.
Call for Participation
The Minister called on universities and research institutions across Nigeria to participate in the programme by submitting proposals to lead or contribute to the clusters.
He also hinted at a forthcoming press conference to provide further details, urging Vice-Chancellors to engage with the initiative.
Long-Term Vision
Describing the initiative as one of the most meaningful projects under his leadership, Tijani noted its long-term impact on Nigeria’s development.
“This is one of the most meaningful to me personally, because it plants seeds that will grow long after any one administration,” he said.
He further underscored the importance of ideas in national development, adding that countries that succeed in the digital age are those that invest not only in infrastructure but also in knowledge.
The launch of the National Digital Economy Research Clusters signals a strategic shift in Nigeria’s approach to digital transformation, one that prioritises research, collaboration, and long-term thinking.
As Nigeria expands its digital infrastructure, the success of initiatives like Project BRIDGE will increasingly depend on the strength of the ideas and policies that guide their implementation.
