By 
By Akin Ogunlade
On August 20, 2024, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mr. David Daser as the President/Chief Executive Officer of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI): Nigeria’s foremost ICT and telecoms training institute, established by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
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His appointment came at a defining moment: DBI was struggling with dwindling revenue and lacked strategic direction. One year later, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.
From the outset, Daser brought his wealth of experience, vision, and energy to reposition DBI as a leading national hub for digital education, innovation, and capacity building.
A Reformist with Proven Pedigree
Long before DBI, Daser had distinguished himself as one of Nigeria’s brightest digital reformers. As Director General of the Plateau State ICT Development Agency (PICTDA), he pioneered groundbreaking initiatives such as Code Plateau and the Silicon Plateau Project, nurturing a thriving ecosystem of tech-savvy youths in Jos.
His brilliance soon brought him to the national stage. He contributed to the Presidential Advisory Council on Technology and Creativity under former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and developed digital solutions for the Nigeria Police, bridging the gap between security and technology.
This pedigree laid the foundation for his present exploits at DBI under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
One Year of Bold Achievements
In just 12 months, Daser has delivered reforms and innovations that many institutions would require years to accomplish. Key milestones include:
- Nigeria Tech Talent City: Declared by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, transforming DBI Lagos into a hub for youth innovation, startups, and digital entrepreneurship.
- Global Certification Program (GCP) & Global Training Partnership (GTP): Empowering Nigerian ICT professionals with access to world-class certifications and training opportunities.
- Information Access Centre (IAC): Supported by the Government of South Korea, now a flagship facility for inclusive digital learning.
- Business & Technology Partnerships: In collaboration with SBTS Group, DBI established a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Centre and a Security Operations Centre (SOC): positioning Nigeria to compete in global service markets.
- Academic Collaborations: Strategic partnerships with MiVA Open University and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The NOUN partnership is historic, integrating DBI’s vocational ICT training with academic recognition, enabling students to advance to higher qualifications.
- Curriculum Reform: A total overhaul of the National Innovation Diploma (NID) program, redesigned to meet global ICT demands and guarantee graduate employability.
- National Digital Literacy Drive: As Chairman of the National Digital Literacy Technical Working Group (NDL-TWG), Daser is championing Nigeria’s ambitious goal of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2030.
Leadership That Inspires
What makes Daser’s tenure exceptional is not only the scale of his accomplishments but the style of his leadership.
As Head of Public Affairs before my posting to Lagos Campus in July 2025, I witnessed firsthand how he values communication, transparency, and institutional branding. He understands that leadership is about trust, inclusiveness, and building lasting systems.
Now, as Head of Lagos Campus, I continue to see his unwavering passion for innovation and excellence. Under his guidance, DBI has become more than a training institute; it has become a beacon of hope for digital empowerment in Nigeria.
A Rising Political Star
Daser’s trajectory from Jos to Abuja, from PICTDA to DBI, from advising Prof. Osinbajo to now driving digital transformation under President Tinubu, reflects a steady rise marked by reform, service, and nation-building.
It is evident that his influence transcends the ICT sector. With bold ideas, people-centered policies, and a passion for youth empowerment, he is fast emerging as one of the voices shaping Nigeria’s political and developmental future.
A Year Worth Celebrating
On this day, as we mark his first anniversary as Chief Executive Officer of DBI, I join the entire staff and stakeholders in honouring David Daser.
In just one year, he has shown that “renewed hope” is not merely a slogan but a reality made tangible by visionary leadership. He has strengthened DBI, expanded opportunities for Nigerian youths, and positioned the Institute as a central pillar in Nigeria’s digital economy journey.
David Daser is not only leading DBI he is charting a digital destiny for Nigeria.
Ogunlade is Head, DBI Lagos Campus
