…To Unlock Scholarships, Jobs, Tech Opportunities For Youth
IN A SIGNIFICANT move to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy, the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and the Plateau State Government have formally announced a partnership to establish a state-of-the-art digital campus in Jos.
The initiative, unveiled at an inauguration ceremony held at the Twin Theatre of the Government House in Rayfield, Jos, is designed to serve as a Centre of Excellence for ICT education, research, innovation, and job creation.
A press statement, signed by Mr Soji-Eze Fagbemi, Head, Public Affairs, DBI, stated that the partnership’s core objectives are to strengthen the national digital workforce, foster entrepreneurship, and support inclusive socio-economic growth across the region.
To guide the project from planning to implementation, a Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) has been constituted and jointly inaugurated by the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, and the CEO/President of DBI, Mr. David Daser.
Governor Mutfwang heralded the partnership as a “historic turning point” for the state, marking a critical milestone in its technology-driven future.
He emphasised that while Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has long been a priority for the state, this collaboration promises concrete deliverables.
“With this collaboration, we can now anticipate concrete milestones that will fast-track e-governance, e-commerce, and other ICT-driven opportunities in Plateau State,” the Governor declared.
He commended the DBI President for choosing Jos for the new campus and expressed gratitude to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his support.
Governor Mutfwang pledged the state government’s full backing for the project, assuring that all necessary support would be provided to ensure its swift and successful completion.
“We are eager to see deliverables within the shortest possible time. Whatever we need to do as a government to make this succeed, we shall do, by the grace of God,” he stated, directly charging the JTWG to deliver on its mandate promptly.
In his remarks, DBI CEO/President, David Daser, outlined the broader national context of the project, revealing that DBI is currently restructuring into a national digital institute with a statutory mandate.
He explained that this initiative will position Plateau State as a key beneficiary for future funding, rather than a mere participant.
Mr. Daser detailed the direct benefits for the state’s citizens, noting that DBI’s presence will “unlock access to donor-funded scholarships, advanced training, and international outsourcing opportunities for Plateau youth.”
He further linked the project to larger federal initiatives, including the Talent City Project and the national fibre optic expansion, describing Plateau State as “strategically positioned to emerge as a regional hub for digital jobs and innovation.”
A critical step towards this goal, Daser noted, would be the expedited passage of the Plateau State Startup bylaw by the State House of Assembly, which he identified as a crucial funding gateway for the local technology ecosystem.
Mr. Daser also extended thanks to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, for their “unyielding support,” without which the project would not have been possible.
On behalf of the newly inaugurated JTWG, Arc. Samuel Jatau, a member of the group and the Secretary to the State Government, assured the principals of the group’s unwavering commitment.
“We will do our best to ensure that within the shortest possible time, this partnership becomes a reality,” Jatau pledged.
The Joint Technical Working Group is scheduled to operate for a period of 12 to 24 months to see the project through to its implementation.
