By 
Matters eRising with Olusegun Oruame
Daser David, the founder of nHub and pioneer Director General of the Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA), is the new President/CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI). His appointment signals a new chapter for the DBI, which aims to become a leading global tech training institution while achieving financial self-sufficiency in developing talent for Nigeria’s ICT and telecom sectors.
RELATED: Daser David officially assumes role as President/CEO of Digital Bridge Institute
Established in 2004 by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the DBI has evolved to meet the growing demands of the digital economy, offering specialized training in cybersecurity, digital literacy, web development, and more. Yet, despite its potential, the institute has struggled to fulfill its founders’ vision of being self-sustaining and innovative, largely depending on government subventions and grappling with deteriorating infrastructure.
Rebranding DBI as a center of excellence
David, renowned for his leadership in fostering tech innovation in Northern Nigeria, faces the challenge of transforming the DBI into a thriving hub for digital skills. His experience at PICTDA, where he launched initiatives like Code Plateau, shows he has the capability to mobilise resources and talent. This approach will be crucial in rebranding DBI as a center of excellence, both for domestic talent and the global tech workforce.
To succeed, David will need to drive industry collaboration, secure investments from tech giants, align the institute with market needs; and strategic market communication. By making the DBI a prominent player in the gig economy and a source of world-class tech professionals, he can position the institute as a key contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The global digital skills gap presents a $6.5 trillion opportunity, and under David’s leadership, the DBI can play a vital role in bridging this gap, particularly for Nigeria’s youth. His task is tough, but with the right strategy and industry collaboration, DBI can fulfill its original mandate and more.
David’s journey at DBI will echo the resilience and determination seen in “Eze Goes to School,” a classic story of overcoming challenges to achieve success. As he begins his tenure, the focus will be on remolding DBI into a world-class institution, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope
