Federal Government Allocates ₦12 Billion for Digital Economy Research in Nigerian Universities
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has earmarked *₦12 billion* to fund university-led research under the National Digital Economy Research Clusters initiative.
The fund is designed to support policy-relevant research that will directly inform government decisions in the digital sector.
Focus Areas and Scope
The ₦12 billion will be distributed across six priority areas:
– Connectivity and meaningful access
– Digital public infrastructure
– Digital skills and human capital
– Jobs and livelihoods
– Trust and safety
– Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
Over *200 researchers* from various universities are expected to participate in the research consortia.
The initiative aims to bridge the long-standing gap between academic research and national policy-making in the digital economy.
Application Process
A three-day virtual open day will begin on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, to provide guidance to vice-chancellors, researchers, and eligible institutions on how to apply.
Interested institutions are required to submit their Expressions of Interest through the official portal. The deadline for submission is Monday, April 13, 2026.
The programme is being coordinated with the Federal Ministry of Education through the Project BRIDGE Implementation Unit.
Key Points
Amount allocated: ₦12 billion
Number of researchers targeted: Over 200
Priority areas: Six key digital economy themes
Virtual Open Day: Starts April 7, 2026 (three days)
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: April 13, 2026
Coordinating bodies: Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy & Ministry of Education (Project BRIDGE)
This funding represents one of the largest direct investments by the Federal Government in university-based digital research in recent years. It is expected to strengthen the link between academia and practical policy formulation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Vice-chancellors and researchers are encouraged to take advantage of the virtual open day starting tomorrow to understand the application requirements and eligibility criteria.