The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has appointed Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as the Interim Chairman of the governing board of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), as part of efforts to reposition the institution for the evolving demands of Nigeria’s communications sector and digital economy.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the Commission said the appointment marks a key step in its strategy to transform the Institute into a hub for advanced digital skills, innovation and research.
Princess Emiko will serve alongside Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, who have also been appointed as interim board members.
They will work with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Mr. David Daser, and other board members whose tenures are yet to expire to drive the transformation agenda.
Established by the NCC in May 2004, the Digital Bridge Institute was created as a specialised centre for telecommunications and information technology training.
However, the Commission noted that the rapid evolution of the sector into a broader digital economy has made continuous specialised training and innovation critical to national development.
According to the NCC, strengthening communications infrastructure and advancing the digital economy have become issues of strategic national importance.
The Commission stated that the transformation of the Institute is aimed at equipping Nigeria’s young population with advanced technical skills needed to compete in the digital age.
With about 70 per cent of Nigerians under the age of 30, the NCC said the revamped institute would help bridge existing skills gaps and accelerate technology adoption across the communications sector and the wider economy.
The repositioned Digital Bridge Institute will focus on five strategic pillars:
- Education and Training
- Research and Development
- Innovation
- Economic Impact and Growth
- Emerging Policy and Regulation
According to the NCC, the transformation strategy was developed through consultations with key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The Commission said the initiative is designed to ensure that the Institute remains relevant and responsive to the needs of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy while supporting innovation, talent development and national competitiveness.
