On August 20, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mr. Oluwadaser David as the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), Nigeria’s foremost ICT and telecoms training institution. One year after his appointment, DBI has witnessed an unprecedented transformation, redefining its role in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and positioning it as a global player in ICT capacity building.
From Lagos to Enugu, Adamawa to Abuja, Daser David’s reforms have delivered tangible results, aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government. His leadership has not only revived dormant campuses but also introduced groundbreaking programs that are shaping the future of digital literacy, innovation, and employability in Nigeria.
Key Achievements in One Year
- Nigeria Tech Talent City
Transformed DBI Lagos into the Nigeria Tech Talent City, declared by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Now a hub for youth innovation, startups, and digital entrepreneurship.
- Global Certification & Training Programs
Launched the Global Certification Program (GCP) and Global Training Partnership (GTP).
Empowering Nigerian ICT professionals with world-class certifications and skills.
- Information Access Centre (IAC)
Established with support from the Government of South Korea.
Became a flagship facility for inclusive digital learning.
- Business & Technology Partnerships
Partnered with SBTS GROUP Nigeria.
Set up a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Centre and a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to position Nigeria in the global digital economy.
- Academic Collaborations
Strategic partnerships with Miva Open University and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Historic NOUN partnership integrates DBI’s vocational ICT training with academic progression pathways.
- Curriculum Reform
Overhauled the National Innovation Diploma (NID) curriculum.
Redesigned to meet global ICT demands and guarantee employability.
- National Digital Literacy Drive
Serving as Chairman, National Digital Literacy Technical Working Group (NDL-TWG).
Driving Nigeria’s target of 95% digital literacy by 2030.
Expanding DBI’s National Footprint
- Adamawa Campus Development
Repurposed DBI’s long-abandoned land in Adamawa into active use.
Launched academic programs and activities on the campus.
- Enugu Campus Revival
Revived the abandoned Enugu Campus.
Academic activities have already commenced with six approved courses.
- Lagos Campus Activation
Revitalized DBI Lagos campus with ongoing ICT programs and training.
- Abuja – AI Research Centre
Established a state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence Research Centre at the Abuja Campus through partnership with the Korean Government.
Youth Empowerment & Employability
- Daser Fellowship for Innovation & Employability (DFIE)
A personal initiative launched under DBI.
Targeted at youths across Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
Began in Plateau State, with over 100 jobs already secured for participants after its 2-month program.
Graduates will also serve as trainers nationwide, multiplying its impact.
Strategic Partnerships & Capacity Building
- National & International Collaborations
Secured multiple partnerships with organizations at home and abroad, boosting DBI’s global relevance.
- Capacity Building for Higher Institutions
Trained staff and students of universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.
- Employment Creation
Created numerous job opportunities for Plateau indigenes and Nigerian youths through DBI programs.
Conclusion
In just one year, Daser David has repositioned the Digital Bridge Institute as a center of innovation, skills development, and global collaboration. His visionary leadership has not only revived dormant facilities but also created lasting structures for digital literacy, youth empowerment, and Nigeria’s integration into the global digital economy.
The first year is only the beginning — the strides made so far signal an even brighter future for Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem under his stewardship.
Plateau News