Nigeria Extends Deadline for ₦12bn Digital Research Programme Applications
Universities Get More Time as FG Extends Digital Research Cluster Deadline
The Federal Government has extended the application deadline for the National Digital Economy Research Clusters under Project BRIDGE from April 13 to April 27, 2026. The extension, announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, follows strong interest from universities and research institutions across the country.
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Strong Institutional Interest Drives Extension
According to Bosun Tijani, the decision to extend the deadline reflects increasing engagement with the Federal Government’s push to strengthen Nigeria’s digital research ecosystem. He urged universities, vice-chancellors, and research leaders to take advantage of the extended timeline to submit expressions of interest and participate in the programme.
The initiative is designed to attract broad participation from academic institutions, ensuring that research outputs reflect local realities and contribute meaningfully to national development priorities.
₦12 Billion Programme to Drive Digital Transformation
The research clusters form part of a ₦12 billion government-backed initiative launched in November 2025 to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.
The programme sits within Project BRIDGE (Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth), a flagship national initiative aimed at expanding digital infrastructure and fostering innovation-led growth. The broader project includes plans to deploy over 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic backbone to improve nationwide connectivity.
Focus Areas and Funding Structure
Eligible institutions are required to submit proposals aligned with one or more of six thematic research clusters:
Connectivity and Access
Digital Public Infrastructure
Digital Skills and Inclusion
Digital Economy and Jobs
Trust and Online Safety
Artificial Intelligence
Each research cluster carries an indicative funding allocation of approximately $1.5 million, reflecting the government’s commitment to supporting high-impact, policy-relevant research.
Strengthening Evidence-Based Policymaking
The research cluster programme is designed to ensure that Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda is guided by data, evidence, and locally generated insights. Policymakers aim to reduce reliance on imported models by leveraging domestic research capacity to inform decision-making.
The initiative also promotes collaboration between government and academia, positioning universities as key contributors to innovation, policy design, and economic development.
Application Process and Requirements
Institutions are required to submit formal Expressions of Interest (EOIs), either electronically or through designated submission channels provided by the Ministry. Applications must clearly align with the objectives of the selected research cluster and demonstrate capacity for execution.
The extension provides additional time for institutions to refine proposals and meet submission requirements, potentially improving the quality and competitiveness of applications.
Implications for Policy and Innovation
For policymakers, the extension underscores the importance of inclusive participation in national innovation programmes. Broad institutional engagement is critical to ensuring that research outputs are representative, actionable, and scalable.
For investors and stakeholders in the technology ecosystem, the initiative signals continued government commitment to digital infrastructure, research, and innovation as drivers of economic growth.
The extension of the Project BRIDGE research cluster application deadline to April 27 reflects strong interest in Nigeria’s ₦12 billion digital research initiative. By providing additional time for participation, the Federal Government aims to deepen engagement, enhance proposal quality, and strengthen the role of research in shaping the country’s digital future.
Sustained investment in research and infrastructure, combined with effective collaboration between academia and government, will be critical to achieving long-term gains in Nigeria’s digital economy.
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