Federal Government Launches Platform Linking Diaspora, Local Academics

The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a digital platform that will connect Nigerian scholars and professionals in the diaspora with universities and research institutions within the country. The initiative aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen academic collaboration, and harness global expertise to support national development across various sectors.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Education, the unveiling is scheduled for July 28. It will be presided over by Kashim Shettima, the vice-president, alongside Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education. The initiative, described as a strategic innovation in academic and institutional development, aims to bridge the gap between global Nigerian talent and local needs in higher education and research.

The ministry stated that the platform will serve as a hub for collaboration, allowing diaspora experts to register their profiles, highlight their areas of specialisation, and connect directly with Nigerian universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and research centres. Equipped with virtual collaboration tools and academic matchmaking capabilities, the platform is also integrated with government systems, such as the Tertiary Education Research Applications System (TERAS), enabling more transparency, performance tracking, and measurable outcomes.

The ministry added that the initiative is part of a broader push to reposition Nigeria’s education sector as a globally competitive, innovation-driven ecosystem. “At the same time, local institutions will be able to signal specific areas of need and initiate structured, demand-driven partnerships. Equipped with advanced tools for virtual collaboration, academic matchmaking, and project tracking, the Diaspora BRIDGE platform also integrates seamlessly with existing government systems such as the TERAS platform, enhancing transparency, alignment, and measurable outcomes,” the statement reads.

Stakeholders in education, research, and innovation have been encouraged to engage with the platform as the country seeks to build a knowledge-based economy driven by both local talent and international collaboration.