Federal Ministry of Education (FME) Diaspora Bridge Programme 2026 | Link to Apply
Are you a Nigerian student looking to gain exposure to global expertise and strengthen your academic journey—without leaving the country?
The FME Diaspora Bridge Program 2026 offers a unique opportunity to bring international knowledge, mentorship, and innovation directly to Nigerian campuses.
Through strategic collaborations, this initiative connects Nigerian tertiary institutions with highly skilled Nigerian professionals in the diaspora, creating pathways for mentorship, collaborative research, capacity building, and innovation hubs tailored to African students.
About the Opportunity
The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) Diaspora Bridge Program, also known as BRIDGE (Bridging Research, Innovation, Development & Global Engagement), is a transformative initiative launched in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
BRIDGE aims to connect Nigerian academics, professionals, and institutions with Nigerian experts living and working abroad, particularly in STEM-M disciplines—Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.
The program is designed to close knowledge and skills gaps within Nigeria’s higher education system.
For students, this translates into direct access to world-class mentorship, collaborative research projects, innovative teaching approaches, guest lectures, workshops, and potential internship opportunities.
By fostering cross-border academic partnerships, BRIDGE allows African students to gain global perspectives while studying at home.
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Key Benefits for Students and Institutions
Participation in the FME Diaspora Bridge Program delivers wide-ranging benefits, especially for Nigerian tertiary institutions and their students:
- Global Expertise on Campus: Learn from diaspora-led lectures, sabbaticals, and technical workshops
- Mentorship & Networking: Engage with international professionals for academic and career guidance
- Research & Funding Opportunities: Institutions receive grants for collaborative projects, creating fully funded research pathways for students
- Enhanced Employability: Stronger STEM-M training improves job readiness and regional competitiveness
- Innovation & Industry Linkages: Increased opportunities for internships, startups, and industry partnerships
- National Impact: Contribute to Nigeria’s academic advancement as part of a forward-looking knowledge network
These advantages make BRIDGE especially valuable for students seeking mentorship programs, research exposure, or academic collaborations in Nigeria.
Students are encouraged to engage by supporting or advocating for their institutions’ participation.
Eligibility Criteria
The program operates through multiple participation tracks to ensure broad inclusion:
1. Diaspora Professionals Track
Open to Nigerian professionals abroad with expertise in STEM-M fields who wish to collaborate with Nigerian institutions.
2. Nigerian Professionals Track
For academics and professionals working in Nigerian tertiary institutions, including lecturers and researchers who can involve students in projects.
3. Nigerian Institutions Track
Eligible institutions include:
- Universities
- Polytechnics
- Colleges of Education
- Research Institutions
- Teaching Hospitals
Student Participation
While students are not the primary applicants, postgraduate students or advanced learners with teaching or research roles may qualify under the Nigerian Professionals track.
Most students benefit as end-users through their institutions’ participation.
There are no age or gender restrictions, making the program inclusive. Students are advised to speak with their department heads or research supervisors about involvement.
Required Information & Documents
The application process is straightforward, with minimal documentation required at the initial stage. Applicants should prepare the following:
- Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, email, and phone number
- Professional Background: Academic qualifications, current role, areas of expertise (STEM-M)
- Engagement Preferences: Preferred collaboration types (lectures, research, workshops, etc.)
- Research Interests: Previous projects or industry collaborations
- Institutional Information (for institutions): Needs assessment, infrastructure capacity, and expected outcomes
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Additional documents (such as scanned credentials or CVs) may be requested after registration. Always confirm requirements via the official portal.
Tip: Students assisting faculty applications should help organize CVs, research profiles, or institutional documents in advance.
Application Deadlines
Deadlines vary by participation track:
- Diaspora Professionals: July 12, 2026
- Nigerian Professionals: April 2, 2026
- Nigerian Institutions: February 1, 2026
