The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy says it has budgeted N12 billion to support research in the digital economy in universities and research institutions.

The special adviser on media and communications to the minister, Isime Esene, said this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Esene said that the government would, thus, host a three-day virtual open day to guide universities and research institutions on the National Digital Economy Research Clusters initiative. He said that the event, organised through the Project BRIDGE Implementation Unit in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, would commence virtually on April 7.

Mr Esene said the initiative would support eligible institutions in better understanding and applying for the programme following the release of the Request for Expressions of Interest.

According to him, the sessions will provide clarity on the initiative’s objectives, structure and application requirements.

“All sessions will cover the same content to allow participants to attend at their convenience. The programme, valued at N12 billion, was designed to mobilise university-led research consortia to deliver policy-relevant research across six priority areas,” Mr Esene said.

Mr Esene listed the areas as: connectivity and meaningful access; digital public infrastructure; digital skills and human capital; jobs and livelihoods; trust and safety; and artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Mr Esene said that the programme would bring together leading academics and over 200 researchers, with each cluster supported by dedicated funding to ensure that research outputs inform government policy and decision-making.

The open day will offer detailed guidance on expectations, consortium requirements, and the application process for prospective applicants.

“It will also provide an opportunity for institutions to engage directly with the Project BRIDGE Implementation Unit,” Mr Esene said.

Mr Esene said that participation was open to vice-chancellors, pro-chancellors, rectors, directors and senior research officials from eligible institutions. He urged interested institutions to register via the official link provided. After registration, participants will receive joining details before each session, which are required for attendance.

“The deadline for submission of expressions of interest is 12:59 p.m. on April 13,” he said.

(NAN)