The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and Miva Open University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing academic excellence in the fields of computer science and digital innovation.

The agreement was signed at the headquarters of DBI, marking the formalisation and strengthening of the long-standing relationship between the two institutions.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of DBI, David Daser, and the Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, Prof Tayo Arulogun, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions.

Speaking on the partnership, Daser noted that the institution’s commitment to raising academic standards played a key role in making the collaboration possible.

He expressed hope that the collaboration will contribute significantly to the development of the country’s education system. He assured the delegation of DBI’s commitment to ensuring that the partnership achieves its purpose and objectives.

The DBI boss further explained that all the institute’s campuses in Enugu, Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Asaba and Yola would be deployed effectively for the purpose of the partnership.

On his part, Arulogun emphasised the importance of collaboration to Nigeria’s higher education sub-sector. He noted that one of the major challenges facing Nigerian universities is the “do-it-alone syndrome,” where institutions attempt to operate in isolation, instead of exploring strategic partnerships.

“Many universities want to go it alone, rather than collaborate with established institutions like DBI, but the resources available across Nigerian universities would actually be sufficient, if only we worked together,” Arulogun stated.

The vice chancellor, therefore, encouraged other institutions to embrace collaboration to optimise capacity and enhance academic output.

“You can be sure that once we sign this, we will hit the ground running and then we just move forward. We will start sending our students to the institute, and we will look forward to having your diploma graduates.

“In the area of Hackathon, it is something we can work together because through that, we can identify a lot of hidden talents,” Arulogun added. The DBI Head of Learning and Development Unit, Emeka Nzeih, who gave a brief overview of the partnership, said the purpose of the MoU is to formalise a collaborative framework between the two institutions, which would facilitate enhancement of students’ education through real-world projects and internships, joint efforts in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as capacity building for students and staff through training and resource sharing.

He said the scope of the collaboration would include identification and facilitating innovative group projects addressing contemporary information and communications technology (ICT) challenges within Nigeria and beyond.

Nzeih pointed out that the projects would develop problem-solving and teamwork skills, integrating practical solutions into academic curricula.

While the DBI will provide mentorship, Miva will ensure students’ participation and academic oversight. He pointed out that both institutions will collaborate on cutting-edge research in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and other emerging ICT fields.

In the area of resource sharing, Nzeih hinted that the DBI will provide access to its state-of-the-art ICT laboratories, equipment, and software for Miva students and faculty to support learning and research activities.