BY OKPAIRE GODSENT OSEHON
The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has said its collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is driving progress in digital skills development and expanding inclusive digital access across Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the launch of an advanced Fibre Optic Infrastructure training programme, DBI President and Chief Executive Officer, David Daser, highlighted the impact of the partnership.
The five-day intensive workshop, supported by the European Union and themed “Strategic Fibre Optics Infrastructure Deployment and Regulatory Management,” is aimed at strengthening capacity in broadband infrastructure development.
Daser explained that DBI currently hosts both the ITU Academy Training Centre (ATC) and the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) in Nigeria, noting that these initiatives align with Nigeria’s digital economy goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He added that they are designed to bridge the digital divide and empower citizens.
According to him, the training is structured to equip participants with the skills needed to plan, deploy, and regulate fibre optic infrastructure—an essential backbone for broadband connectivity, smart cities, and 5G ecosystems.
He said the programme will cover areas such as national broadband strategy, fibre deployment planning, legal and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure sharing, compliance monitoring, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
“At the end of the programme, participants are expected to demonstrate the ability to design strategic fibre infrastructure projects and implement policies that support sustainable broadband expansion,” Daser said.
He noted that the training adopts global best practices, combining expert-led sessions with practical exercises, case studies, and continuous assessment through the ITU Academy platform. He added that the initiative would also promote knowledge exchange, innovation, and international collaboration.
Daser commended the European Union for its support under the Global Gateway Initiative, which has enabled participation from across ITU member states. He urged attendees from government, regulatory bodies, and industry to maximise the opportunity to build networks and develop solutions for digital infrastructure growth.
He also acknowledged the efforts of course coordinators and instructors in ensuring the programme’s effective delivery, reiterating that partnerships remain critical to achieving a digitally connected and inclusive world.
In his remarks, Ghazi Mabrouk, Project Officer in the ITU’s Capacity and Skills Development Division, emphasised the importance of diversity in enriching discussions and fostering shared learning.
“We aim to create a platform where participants can learn from one another and exchange experiences and expertise,” he said.
Mabrouk added that the programme forms part of a broader global capacity-building initiative to accelerate digital transformation. He noted that DBI is among ITU’s Academic Training Centres, with about 14 such centres worldwide.
He further explained that the training aligns with the ITU Academy’s extensive learning programmes, which deliver over 150 courses annually through both physical and virtual platforms, describing the current session as the first in-person training hosted in collaboration with DBI.