The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as Interim Chairman of the Governing Board of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), in a strategic move aimed at repositioning the Institute as a leading hub for digital skills development, research, innovation, and policy advancement in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
The appointment signals the Commission’s determination to transform the Digital Bridge Institute into a world-class centre capable of producing the skilled workforce required to drive the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Princess Emiko will serve alongside Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, who have been appointed as interim board members. The interim board will work closely with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Mr. David Daser, and other serving board members whose tenures remain valid.
Established by the NCC in May 2004, the Digital Bridge Institute was conceived as a specialized training institution for telecommunications and information technology professionals. However, with the rapid evolution of technology and the emergence of a broader digital economy, the Institute is now being repositioned to address new realities and future challenges within the communications sector.
Industry experts have noted that the telecommunications landscape has expanded significantly over the past two decades, with advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, digital infrastructure, and emerging technologies creating an urgent demand for continuous skills development and specialized training.
The NCC believes that strengthening the capacity of the Digital Bridge Institute will play a crucial role in ensuring Nigeria remains competitive in the global digital economy while also enhancing the country’s ability to develop and manage critical communications infrastructure.
A key focus of the transformation agenda is Nigeria’s youthful population. With approximately 70 percent of Nigerians below the age of 30, the Institute is expected to become a major platform for equipping young people with advanced digital and technical competencies, helping to bridge existing skills gaps and increase participation in the technology-driven economy.
Under the new strategic direction, the Institute will concentrate on five priority areas: Education and Training, Research and Development, Innovation, Economic Impact and Growth, as well as Emerging Policy and Regulation.
The transformation initiative is also being driven through extensive collaboration across government institutions and development stakeholders. In addition to engagements with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, consultations have been held with the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
Speaking on the development, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, said the appointments reflect the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the Digital Bridge Institute evolves into a future-ready institution capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital aspirations.
“The communications sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation, and the Digital Bridge Institute must evolve to meet the demands of this new reality. The appointment of the interim board is part of a broader strategy to reposition the Institute as a centre of excellence for digital skills, innovation, research, and policy development,” she said.
Ukoha added that the Commission remains focused on building a sustainable pipeline of talent that will support national development and strengthen Nigeria’s position within the global digital economy.
“Nigeria’s youthful population represents one of our greatest assets. Through the transformation of the Digital Bridge Institute, we are creating pathways for young Nigerians to acquire the knowledge, technical expertise, and innovative capabilities required to thrive in the digital age and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth,” she stated.
The appointment of the interim board is expected to accelerate ongoing reforms at the Institute and lay the foundation for a new era of capacity building, innovation, and digital leadership in Nigeria’s communications sector.
