The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has appointed Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as Interim Chairman of the Governing Board of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), signaling a major push to reposition the nation’s foremost telecommunications training institute for the rapidly evolving digital economy.
The appointment, announced by the NCC on Monday, forms part of a broader strategy aimed at transforming the institute into a leading hub for digital skills development, innovation, research and policy advancement.
Princess Emiko will serve alongside Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, who have also been appointed as interim board members.
The trio will work with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute, Mr. David Daser, and other board members whose tenures remain valid, to drive what the Commission described as a far-reaching transformation agenda.
In a statement issued by the Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, the Commission said the appointments are intended to position the institute to meet the growing demands of Nigeria’s communications sector and digital economy.
The NCC noted that while the Digital Bridge Institute was established in May 2004 as a specialised training centre for telecommunications and information technology, the sector has since expanded dramatically, creating new demands for advanced technical skills and specialised expertise.
According to the Commission, technological advancements, digital transformation and the strategic importance of communications infrastructure now require continuous capacity development and stronger institutional support.
“Securing and advancing the future of communications and the digital economy is now a clear national and economic priority,” the statement said.
The Commission further highlighted the critical role of young Nigerians in achieving that vision, noting that about 70 per cent of the country’s population is under the age of 30.
It said the planned overhaul of the institute is designed to equip young people with cutting-edge technical competencies and bridge the skills gap that continues to slow technology adoption across key sectors of the economy.
Under the new strategic direction, the institute will focus on five major pillars: education and training, research and development, innovation, economic impact and growth, as well as emerging policy and regulation.
The NCC disclosed that the transformation blueprint was developed through extensive consultations with key government institutions and stakeholders beyond the communications sector.
Among the agencies involved in shaping the strategy are the Federal Ministry of Education, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
Industry observers say the appointments and restructuring plan underscore the Commission’s determination to build a stronger talent pipeline for Nigeria’s digital future while positioning the Digital Bridge Institute as a critical driver of innovation, workforce development and technological competitiveness.
The move comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to harness the opportunities of the digital economy and prepare its workforce for emerging technologies that are reshaping industries around the world.
