BRIDGE

Frequently Asked Questions

General Overview
1. What is the BRIDGE Program?
BRIDGE (Bridging Research, Innovation, Development & Global Engagement) is a Federal Ministry of Education initiative designed to connect Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with local institutions for impactful collaboration in teaching, research, capacity building, and innovation.

2. Who can participate in the BRIDGE Program?
Participants include Nigerian academics, researchers, professionals in the diaspora, tertiary institutions (universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, teaching hospitals), regulatory bodies, and industry partners.

3. What is the primary objective of BRIDGE?
To close gaps in research, teaching, and institutional capacity by facilitating structured engagement between diaspora professionals and Nigerian institutions.

Regarding Diaspora Professionals
4. How do I join the BRIDGE Program as a diaspora professional?
Visit the BRIDGE Portal and complete the registration form, indicating your expertise, preferred areas of collaboration, and availability.

5. What kind of support will I receive through BRIDGE?
Support includes collaboration tools, project matchmaking, access to institutions needing expertise, reimbursement for approved travel or digital contributions, and recognition from the Ministry.

6.  Will my contributions be recognized by Nigerian regulatory or academic bodies?
Yes. BRIDGE works with regulatory bodies such as MDCN, NUC, NBTE, and NCCE to ensure your contributions are acknowledged and credentialed where applicable.

7.  Can my participation in BRIDGE provide tax benefits?
Potentially, yes. As BRIDGE expands, the program is working with relevant authorities to establish mechanisms that recognize diaspora professionals’ contributions (e.g., time, expertise, research support) as in-kind donations. These may become eligible for tax credits or deductions, particularly if a diaspora contributor maintains tax ties to Nigeria or operates a business domiciled in Nigeria.

8.  Can I receive credit or recognition in my country of residence for participating in BRIDGE?
In some cases, yes. If your country has a bilateral tax or academic recognition agreement with Nigeria, your participation and certified contributions through BRIDGE (e.g., teaching, mentoring, or knowledge transfer) may be considered qualifying foreign service. BRIDGE can issue formal certificates of participation and contribution value to support such recognition.

9.  Is there a formal policy or database for tracking Nigerian diaspora professionals?
BRIDGE is advocating for the establishment of a National Census and Directory of Nigerian Diaspora Professionals, particularly in STEM fields. This will serve as a verified talent pool for structured engagement and long-term strategic planning.

Regarding Nigerian Institutions
10. How can my institution participate in BRIDGE?
Your institution must complete the BRIDGE Gap & Needs Assessment Form and onboard via the platform to access collaboration tools and request interventions.

11. What types of collaborations are available through BRIDGE?
Collaborations include curriculum co-design, joint research, fieldwork, mentorship, peer review, medical training, industry partnership facilitation, and grant writing support.

12. Is there funding available for institutional activities through BRIDGE?
Yes. Institutions can submit intervention requests for funding support tied to specific BRIDGE activities.

13. Are there financial incentives for Nigerian professionals who need data or internet support to participate in BRIDGE activities?
Yes. BRIDGE recognizes that many Nigerian professionals may face limitations due to high data costs or unreliable internet access. To promote equitable participation, the program will provide data support stipends or reimbursable allowances for verified online engagements such as virtual classes, seminars, mentoring sessions, and collaboration meetings hosted on the BRIDGE platform.

Regarding Sustainability, Funding & Remuneration
14. How are BRIDGE financial transactions handled?
Disbursements are made directly to registered vendors, institutions, or diaspora collaborators after vetting of and approval of the collaboration by the secretariat.

15. How can institutions or diaspora members request funds?
Through the BRIDGE platform, institutions or approved collaborators can submit requests tied to approved activities and projects.

16. Is financial accountability ensured?
Yes. The platform provides transparent reporting, real-time monitoring, and compliance with federal financial guidelines.

Regarding Technology & Platform Use
17. What is the BRIDGE Portal used for?
The BRIDGE Portal is used for registration, collaboration matchmaking, initiating and managing partnerships, attending seminars, and tracking progress.

18. What is TERAS and how does it relate to BRIDGE?
The platform is a fully digital platform used to manage the administration, funding, and monitoring of BRIDGE activities.

19. Will training be provided on how to use the platforms?
Yes. Institutions and participants will receive onboarding sessions and user guides for both the BRIDGE portal. There are videos being produced and circulated to give collaborators convenient ways to learn about using the platform.
Others
20. How can private organizations and other diaspora groups with similar programs support BRIDGE?
By sponsoring collaborative research, providing technology or training resources.

21. Is BRIDGE open to collaborations beyond STEM-M and education?
While BRIDGE emphasizes STEM-M and tertiary education, collaborations in arts, humanities, health sciences, and applied social research are also welcome.

22. What is the long-term vision of BRIDGE?
To institutionalize diaspora engagement in national education and research strategy, improve Nigeria’s global academic standing, and create a knowledge-driven economy.

23. Is there a national policy guiding diaspora engagement in development?
Not yet; but one is currently being considered. A National Policy on Diaspora Engagement in STEM-M is under development to formalize strategies for involving diaspora professionals in education, research, innovation, and national development planning.

24. Will there be legal reforms to support long-term diaspora participation?
Yes. The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with national stakeholders, is exploring a national legislative framework to formally entrench diaspora participation in Nigeria’s development agenda, ensuring recognition, structure, and sustainability.

25. How will BRIDGE identify Nigerian diaspora professionals globally?
A global census of Nigerian STEM-M professionals in the diaspora is being planned to create an up-to-date, verifiable database in collaboration with NIDCOM and NIDO. This will help in mapping talent, enabling targeted engagement, and coordinating strategic partnerships.

26. Is there a platform for diaspora-to-diaspora or diaspora-to-institution networking?
Yes. The BRIDGE Portal will feature a collaborator network module, enabling diaspora professionals to connect with each other, form project groups, engage with institutions, and explore joint opportunities in real time.

27. Will private sector collaboration be encouraged under BRIDGE?
Absolutely. The BRIDGE Program encourages private companies, especially those in health, energy, education, and technology sectors to support or co-implement projects with diaspora professionals through co-funding, technical support, or internship pathways.

28. How will postgraduate students in Nigeria benefit from the program?
Postgraduate students will gain access to mentorship, co-supervision, virtual seminars, and joint research opportunities with diaspora professionals. The aim is to strengthen postgraduate training and global exposure.

29. Will BRIDGE offer scholarships or fellowships?
Scholarships and research fellowships are under consideration, especially in collaboration with diaspora foundations and partners. These schemes will be launched as funding mechanisms and partnerships are finalized.