Now Open: BRIDGE Program For Global Academic Collaboration 2025 – Funding & Grants For Nigerian Academics And Diaspora Scholars -

About the BRIDGE Program

The BRIDGE Program—an acronym for Bridging Research, Innovation, Development, and Global Engagement—is a prestigious initiative developed by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) in partnership with TETFund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund). It was created to foster global academic collaboration by connecting Nigerian-based scholars with international academics, particularly those in the diaspora, to co-create solutions for sustainable development, educational reform, and innovation.

The program promotes impactful collaboration in areas such as scientific research, higher education reform, knowledge transfer, and industry-academic linkages. Through BRIDGE, participants will drive transformative change within Nigeria’s knowledge economy and academic institutions.

Are you a Nigerian academic, researcher, or professional seeking international collaboration to drive impactful innovation and development? The BRIDGE Program for Global Academic Collaboration 2025 offers a unique opportunity to engage in world-class academic partnerships, receive funding for joint research, and contribute meaningfully to national capacity building.

Eligible Fields

The BRIDGE Program supports collaboration in a wide array of impactful sectors, including:

Higher Education
Scientific Research
Innovation and Technology
Capacity Building
Industry-Academic Partnerships
Pedagogy and Educational Development

These fields are carefully chosen to align with Nigeria’s national development goals and global best practices in education and research.

Eligibility Criteria

The BRIDGE Program is open to two primary categories of applicants:

Nigeria-Based Applicants:
- Academics, researchers, and professionals currently affiliated with Nigerian universities, research institutions, or innovation hubs.
- Individuals with a track record of research, teaching, or leadership in relevant fields.
- Those committed to engaging in long-term collaborative projects with global impact.
Diaspora-Based Applicants:
- Nigerian professionals and academics living abroad who are willing to collaborate with institutions in Nigeria.
- Individuals with expertise in teaching, research, innovation, or entrepreneurship.
- Those interested in mentoring, transferring knowledge, and contributing to capacity-building efforts in Nigeria.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following:

Alignment with the mission and goals of the BRIDGE Program.
Quality and feasibility of the proposed collaborative project or area of partnership.
Academic and professional credentials.
Potential for tangible local impact in Nigeria.
Long-term commitment to mentoring, co-innovation, and mutual knowledge exchange.

Eligible Countries

Nigeria: For academics and professionals based at Nigerian institutions.
Global: Open to members of the Nigerian diaspora and other professionals abroad interested in collaborating with Nigerian institutions.

Benefits of the BRIDGE Program

Selected participants will enjoy several career-transforming benefits, including:

National and International Recognition: Showcase your work and gain recognition as a thought leader and academic changemaker.
Collaborative Research Grants: Access funding to co-develop and execute high-impact research and innovation projects.
Professional Networking: Join a national and international network of academic leaders and innovation experts.
Capacity Building Opportunities: Mentor and collaborate with Nigerian students and faculty to build institutional knowledge.
Influence Policy and Practice: Participate in shaping educational reform, innovation policy, and sustainable development strategies in Nigeria.

How to Apply

Applications for the BRIDGE Program are now open. While there is no specified deadline, early submissions are strongly encouraged as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

To apply:

Visit the official application portal by clicking the link below.
Complete your profile with accurate academic and professional information.
Outline your proposed area of collaboration, highlighting expected outcomes and local relevance.
Submit your application and wait for further communication regarding shortlisting and next steps.

Final Thoughts

The BRIDGE Program for Global Academic Collaboration 2025 is a groundbreaking initiative that opens the door to meaningful international engagement, mentorship, and innovation for Nigerian academics. Whether you are based in Nigeria or abroad, this is your chance to contribute to Nigeria’s higher education transformation while building lifelong professional partnerships.

Take the next step in your academic journey—apply today and become part of a national movement to drive research excellence and sustainable development.