The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has designated Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as the Interim Chairman of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) Governing Board. This decision forms part of the Commission’s strategy to revitalize the Institute for the evolving communications landscape and digital economy in Nigeria.
Joining her on the board are Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, both serving as interim board members. They will collaborate with President/CEO Mr. David Daser and other board members with unexpired tenures to spearhead the Institute’s transformation.
Founded by the NCC in May 2004, DBI was initially established as a specialized training hub for telecommunications and IT. Over two decades, the sector has evolved from telecommunications into a dynamic digital economy where rapid technological advancements demand continuous specialized training. Communications infrastructure has become pivotal to national sovereignty and oversight, making the advancement of communications and digital economy a strategic priority.
Nigeria’s youthful population, with 70% under 30, underscores the urgency of this transformation. The revamped DBI aims to empower young people with advanced technical skills, bridging the capability gap that slows technology adoption across the communications sector and broader digital economy.
The repositioned Institute will focus on five key areas: Education and Training, Research and Development, Innovation, Economic Impact and Growth, and Emerging Policy and Regulation. The strategy was developed through extensive consultations beyond the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, including engagements with the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).