Digital Bridge Institute - DBI

What Digital Bridge Institute - DBI does

Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) is a government parastatal ICT training institution headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, established in 2004 by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It operates as Nigeria's designated Centre of Excellence in ICT capacity building and is accredited by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as an ITU Academy Training Centre and Digital Training Centre. DBI also holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 27001:2022, and ISO 17024:2012 certifications, and its National Innovation Diploma (NID) programmes are accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

DBI's product portfolio spans National Innovation Diplomas in five ICT disciplines, over 100 professional and certification courses (covering cybersecurity, fibre optics, 5G, data analytics, cloud computing, and digital trade), ITU-certified courses, the Executive Digital Transformation Programme for senior government officials, the DELTA e-learning platform, the IT Bridge Academy for Persons with Disabilities, and the Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) co-developed with US-based SBTS Group targeting 50,000 Nigerian job placements. Delivery is in-person, online, or blended across six campuses spanning Nigeria's geopolitical zones (Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, plus forthcoming Yola and Asaba), supported by a Telecom Laboratory, Digital Resource Library, video conferencing, and Wi-Fi-equipped training rooms.

DBI's business model combines professional training fees, NID tuition, facility rental, and large government/donor contracts. Customers are primarily federal and state government agencies (NCC, NIMASA, JTB, ICPC, NHIS, Benue State Government, OHCSF, Federal Ministries), with secondary enterprise segments (MTN, Foundation Chambers) and institutional partners (ITU, EU, GIZ, UNDP, Sightsavers, NCPWD, SBTS, Innov8 Nigeria, IAI-ELTA). Go-to-market is sales-led and event-driven, leveraging government referrals, ICTEL Expo participation, and inter-ministerial partnerships. Stated outcomes include 60,000+ professionals trained since 2004 and 48 PWD graduates from IT Bridge Academy with CCNA and digital marketing certifications.

Name

Digital Bridge Institute - DBI

Legal name

Digital Bridge Institute

Website

https://dbi.edu.ng

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) is an NCC-established, ITU-accredited ICT training parastatal in Nigeria that delivers professional certifications, NBTE-accredited diplomas, executive digital transformation programmes, and workforce initiatives such as ICBM to government agencies, enterprises, and individuals across six national campuses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

ICT Professional Training & Certification

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Computer Training (61142)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Digital Learning Content Development (eLearning, Labs, Simulations) (BPAEANAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Project, Quality & Operations (PMP PDUs, Six Sigma, Quality CE) (EDAAALAM), Digital Assessment Platforms & Computer-Based Testing Authorities (EDADAFAK)

Keywords

• ICT professional training
• Technology certification courses
• Digital skills education
• Telecom capacity building
• IT workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Abuja

HQ country

Nigeria

HQ region

Africa

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Professional and Certification Training Fees: DBI generates revenue primarily through paid professional ICT training courses, professional certifications, and diploma programmes. Fees are charged per course or programme, with group discounts available. The institute offers both in-person and online delivery modes.
2. National Innovation Diploma (NID) Tuition: NBTE-accredited two-year National Innovation Diploma programmes in ICT disciplines at DBI campuses, generating tuition revenue from enrolled students.
3. Facility Rental: DBI rents out its ultra-modern training facilities (fully equipped rooms, video conferencing, laboratories) to external organizations and individuals for training events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) is Nigeria's foremost government-backed ICT training institute, delivering 100+ professional and certification courses, ITU Academy-certified programmes, and NBTE-accredited National Innovation Diplomas (NID) in Networking, Software Engineering, Telecommunications, Multimedia, and Hardware Engineering. It serves enterprises, government ministries, and individual learners through six campuses, an e-learning platform (DELTA), and national workforce programmes such as the Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) with SBTS Group.

Product overview

Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) operates as a comprehensive ICT training ecosystem offering multiple delivery formats (in-person, online, blended) across a multi-tiered portfolio. The core offerings include: (1) National Innovation Diploma (NID) programs accredited by the National Board for Technical Education covering five ICT disciplines; (2) ITU Academy Courses providing internationally accredited professional development; (3) over 100 Professional and Certification Courses spanning telecommunications, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and software development; (4) the Executive Digital Transformation Programme for senior government officials; (5) the Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) in partnership with SBTS Group for large-scale workforce transformation; and (6) specialized programs like IT Bridge Academy for PWDs and DELTA e-learning platform. The portfolio also supports national initiatives including the 3MTT program and Technology Apprenticeship Programme.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ICBM (Intelligent Capacity Building Model): A national workforce transformation programme jointly managed by DBI and SBTS Group to train and place 50,000 Nigerians into high-growth jobs
• DELTA (Digital e-learning Training Arena)
• IT Bridge Academy
• NID (National Innovation Diploma)

Products and services

• National Innovation Diploma (NID) Programme NBTE-accredited two-year diploma programmes in five ICT disciplines offered at DBI's Lagos, Kano, and Enugu campuses, targeting students and aspiring ICT professionals seeking recognised qualifications.
• ITU Academy Certified Courses International Telecommunication Union-accredited professional training programmes covering fibre optics, cybersecurity, smart cities, and regulatory management, delivered in partnership with ITU for African and international professionals and policymakers.
• Professional and Certification Courses Over 100 ICT industry-acclaimed courses spanning telecommunications (fibre optics, spectrum management, 5G, broadband), ICT (data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, web development), and entrepreneurship programmes, delivered in-person, online, or blended.
• Intelligent Capacity Building Model (ICBM) Programme National workforce transformation programme jointly managed with SBTS Group, targeting 50,000 Nigerian job placements through 3-month and 6-month tracks that include tuition support, technology bundles (laptops and internet), daily meals, and monthly stipends.
• Executive Digital Transformation Programme (EDTP) Executive-level training programme for Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and senior government executives covering strategic ICT, digital transformation leadership, cybersecurity, and digital risk management.
• CIDEAS (DBI-CIDEAS) Certification Professional certification programme under DBI's portfolio offering specialized ICT training and certification opportunities.
• IT Bridge Academy A 9-month specialised training programme for Persons with Disabilities delivered with Sightsavers International, awarding globally recognised certifications including CCNA, digital marketing, e-commerce, and data analysis.
• Technology Apprenticeship Programme (TAP) Apprenticeship initiative providing practical technology skills and workplace experience to young Nigerians for workforce readiness.

Quantifiable outcome

• 60,000+ professionals trained across diverse sectors since 2004
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 August 2025DBI signed an MoU with NCPWD on digital transformation. Together with GIZ-DTC and NCPWD, DBI is implementing a landmark initiative for digital inclusion of PWDs, conducting surveys, accessibility audits, and focus groups across Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Abia, Edo, Enugu, and FCT to develop evidence-based recommendations.
• IDFUKminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 July 2025DBI signed an MoU with IDFUK (details not specified in available source).
• Vanguard NigeriaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 July 2025DBI Lagos Campus received Vanguard Nigeria for a courtesy visit focused on exploring strategic collaboration in media/multimedia training, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and DBI's NID programme. Both parties aim to drive national development through digital skills and capacity building.
• Miva UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 June 2025DBI and Miva University signed an agreement to advance academic excellence, exploring synergies between DBI's ICT training and Miva University's academic programmes.
• Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 April 2025DBI engaged the OHCSF on digital upskilling of public servants across MDAs. The Head of Service emphasized federal priority to digitize all ministries, with DBI positioned to deliver nationwide training using its campus network across all six geopolitical zones.
• IAI-ELTA (Israel Aerospace Industries)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2025DBI, in partnership with Innov8 Nigeria, sealed a collaboration with Israel's IAI-ELTA to deliver high-impact professional training and certification in Cybersecurity Solutions for national defense and critical infrastructure. IAI-ELTA brings advanced cyber, radar, and electronic warfare expertise.
• Innov8 NigeriaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 April 2025Innov8 Nigeria acts as the local partner facilitating the IAI-ELTA and DBI cybersecurity training collaboration.
• SBTS GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2025DBI partnered with US-based SBTS Group to equip Nigerian youth with digital skills. SBTS brings its ICBM model, mentorship, job placement, and access to funding — aiming to generate 50,000 jobs in Nigeria and 100,000 across Africa within 5 years.
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024DBI is an ITU Academy Training Centre and designated Digital Training Centre (DTC) in Nigeria under ITU's DTC Initiative. DBI collaborates with ITU to deliver high-level international training courses to professionals and policymakers across Africa and beyond, including fibre optic infrastructure programmes and cybersecurity courses. ITU delivers over 150 capacity-building initiatives annually, of which DBI hosts several.
• SBTS Group LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024DBI and SBTS Group launched the ICBM (Intelligent Capacity Building Model) programme — a national workforce transformation initiative targeting 50,000 Nigerian job placements. SBTS brings the ICBM methodology, corporate placement networks, and co-investment (tuition support, laptops, stipends). The partnership was further deepened through a MoU with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for NPower digital training. Goal: 100,000 digital jobs across Africa within 5 years.
• GIZ Digital Transformation Centre (GIZ-DTC) NigeriacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDBI, in partnership with GIZ-DTC and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), is implementing the 'Needs Assessment and Guidelines for Digital Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.' The project aims to generate Nigeria's first national dataset on digital inclusion for PWDs, develop a National Digital Inclusion Guide, and create a strategic roadmap for inclusive digital platforms.
• European Union (EU) / Global Gateway InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe EU, under its Global Gateway Initiative, is sponsoring the ITU-facilitated fibre optic training programme hosted at DBI. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria's digital transformation through strategic investments and partnerships in digital skills and fibre optic infrastructure.
• Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNCC established DBI in 2004 as Nigeria's foremost Centre of Excellence in ICT training. NCC continues to oversee DBI through governing board appointments and strategic direction. DBI serves as NCC's primary capacity-building arm for the telecom sector.
• Sightsavers InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDBI partnered with Sightsavers International to run the IT Bridge Academy, which trained and graduated 48 PWDs in Lagos and Kano with CCNA, digital marketing, e-commerce, data analysis, and product management skills. The 9-month programme equips PWDs with globally recognized certifications and ICT skills for employment.
• Oxford CareersminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a strategic partner on DBI's website footer, suggesting a channel or career services relationship for student placement or international certification.
• DKLOUDminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorListed as a strategic partner on DBI's website footer.
• Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDBI partnered with BDIC to train 40,000 Benue State civil servants on e-governance tools and ICT skills, and to launch the state's Electronic Document Management System (EDMS).
• Delegated Legislation Committee (National Assembly)minorOthersThe National Assembly's Delegated Legislation Committee conducted an oversight visit to DBI, affirming government support for DBI's operations and digital literacy mission.
• Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital EconomycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDBI's programmes align with the Ministry's 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent) programme and the Federal Government's digital transformation agenda. The Ministry's Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, toured DBI Lagos campus and engaged tech stakeholders on youth empowerment.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDBI participated in the UNDP-organised Lagos State Employability Support Programme (LSESP) Phase 3 Stakeholder Engagement. DBI contributed a presentation on digital capacity building and explored synergies for youth employability and workforce development.
• Lagos State GovernmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDBI participated in the Lagos State Employability Support Programme (LSESP) Phase 3, co-organised with UNDP, focusing on digital skills and CNG sectors for youth employability.
• Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty ReductioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDBI signed an MoU with the Ministry and SBTS Group to power the National NPower Program, providing digital literacy, employability skills, and job creation for Nigerian youth. The Ministry provides policy support and trainee enrolment.
• Plateau State PolytechnicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlateau State Polytechnic visited DBI seeking collaboration on digital inclusion initiatives.
• National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi attended ICTEL Expo where DBI exhibited. DBI CEO David Daser was appointed Chairman of NITDA's Technical Committee, indicating a close working relationship.
• Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIPMAN paid a courtesy visit to DBI seeking a technical partnership for digital literacy and digital transformation in the downstream oil and gas sector.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Aptech: Aptech is a global IT training franchise with presence across multiple markets including Africa, offering career-oriented ICT certifications and corporate training — directly comparable to DBI's catalogue of 100+ ICT certification and professional courses targeting individual learners and corporate clients.
• ALX Africa: ALX Africa (formerly ALX by Andela) is a tech-skills training provider focused on African youth with an outcome-oriented, employer-aligned curriculum — directly comparable to DBI's ICBM programme in mission (African digital skills + employment) and target learner (unemployed/underemployed youth).
• Generation: Generation is a global youth-employment programme offering free, short-duration ICT and digital skills training with employer-aligned curricula and placement support — highly comparable to DBI's ICBM outcome-driven model and to its NID/NPower-aligned training delivery.
• NIIT: NIIT is a global ICT training and education company with a strong presence in Nigeria and West Africa, offering corporate ICT training, certifications, and government workforce upskilling programmes — directly comparable to DBI's ICT certification, corporate training, and government capacity-building core.
• New Horizons: New Horizons operates one of the world's largest IT training centre networks, including locations in Nigeria and West Africa, focused on vendor-certified courses (Cisco, Microsoft, etc.) — directly comparable to DBI's Professional and Certification Courses track.

Broad incumbents

• Coursera: Coursera is a global online learning platform offering ICT certifications, professional certificates, and degree programmes from universities and tech companies — competing for the same individual-learner and corporate upskilling segments as DBI, though via a fully online delivery model.

Emerging players

• Andela: Andela is an African-headquartered technology talent company that operates a training-to-employment pathway for software engineers across Africa — overlapping with DBI's ICBM placement-oriented mission, with stronger tech-talent-outplacement focus but overlapping ICT skills curriculum.

Others

• Cisco Networking Academy: Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) is Cisco's global ICT-skills certification programme delivered through educational institutions and partners (including DBI) — comparable as an ICT-curriculum provider; in some courses DBI directly delivers NetAcad curriculum, making it both partner and adjacent competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dbi_education
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@DigitalBridgeInstitute
• Facebookfacebook.com/dbiabuja
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/digital-bridge-institute
• Instagraminstagram.com/dbi_education

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Digital Bridge Institute - DBI