The new board members of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Friday, paid a familiarisation tour of the Lagos Campus of Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the manpower development arm of the Commission.
Led by its Chairman, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe, the members visited campus and inspected the facilities available in the campus, a large compound which was owned by the defunct state-run by largely inefficient carrier, NITEL. The facility used to be the training centre of the defunct national telecom company.
They were conducted round the facility by Head, DBI, Lagos Campus, Mr. Akin Ogunlade.
Other members of the board on the tour included Princess Oforitsenere Emiko; Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede and Hon. Chris Okorie. Also on the tour were the Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; and Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Ms. Rimini Makama.
DBI is Nigeria’s foremost center of excellence for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education, training, and capacity development. It was established in 2004 by the NCC as a strategic intervention to address critical skills gaps in the telecommunications and ICT sectors and to support Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-based, digital economy.
The Institute plays a central role in strengthening Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem by developing human capital, promoting innovation, and supporting effective regulation through training and research.
DBI was created by the NCC in response to the rapid growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry following sector liberalisation and the resulting shortage of skilled professionals. Its core mandate is to bridge the digital divide by expanding access to high-quality ICT education and training; build indigenous technical and managerial capacity in telecommunications and related ICT fields; and support national development goals through digital skills, research, and policy-relevant training.
DBI delivers its mandate through the following key functions ICT Training and Education; professional certifications and short courses; Diploma and specialised training programs; capacity-building programs for public and private sector professionals; research and knowledge development; applied research in telecommunications, ICT, and digital policy; and support for evidence-based regulation and innovation.
The Institute also conducts consultancy and advisory services on technical and policy advisory services to government agencies and industry stakeholders; and customised training for regulators, operators, and institutions
DBI’s programs are structured around priority areas critical to Nigeria’s digital transformation, including telecommunications engineering and network technologies; ICT management, regulation, and policy; digital literacy and emerging technologies; entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital economy.
To ensure national coverage and inclusivity, DBI operates multiple campuses across Nigeria with Abuja as its main campus.
Aside Lagos, other regional centers are in Kano, Yola, Asaba, and Enugu.
This multi-campus structure enables DBI to reach professionals, students, and entrepreneurs across different geopolitical zones.
Partnerships, international, collaboration
DBI collaborates with reputable regional and international organisations to enhance the quality and relevance of its programs. Key partnerships include International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO).
These partnerships support curriculum development, faculty training, research collaboration, and alignment with global best practices in ICT and telecommunications.
The relationship between DBI and the NCC is foundational and strategic.
DBI was established by the NCC as part of its broader mandate to promote the development of the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
Capacity-Building Arm: DBI serves as the NCC’s principal platform for human capital development, particularly in regulatory, technical, and policy-related areas.
Policy and Regulatory Support: Through training and research, DBI strengthens the capacity of regulators, industry players, and government officials, thereby enhancing effective regulation and sector governance.
Alignment with NCC’s Strategic Objectives: DBI’s activities align with NCC’s goals of promoting competition, innovation, consumer protection, and universal access to ICT services.
In essence, DBI functions as an institutional extension of NCC’s developmental role, translating regulatory vision into sustainable skills development and long-term industry growth.
The DBI stands as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s ICT and telecommunications ecosystem. Established by the NCC, DBI plays a vital role in bridging skills gaps, supporting effective regulation, and enabling digital inclusion. Through its nationwide presence, diverse training programs, and strong international partnerships, DBI continues to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a competitive digital economy.
