NiDCOM, San José State University Explore ‘Silicon Valley Tech Bridge Initiative’, Diaspora Engagement
Abuja, Nigeria – June 29, 2026
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has held a strategic meeting with the President of San José State University (SJSU), California, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, aimed at strengthening collaboration in education, technology, innovation, and cultural exchange.
NiDCOM’s spokesperson, Abdur- Rahman Balogun in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday said a major outcome of the meeting was the proposed Silicon Valley Tech Bridge Initiative, a summer programme at San José State University that will provide Nigerian students and young professionals with immersive training in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and medical devices.
The programme will combine specialised academic course work with industry exposure through engagements with leading technology companies, including Adobe, LinkedIn, and Jabil alongside participation in Black Engineer Week, offering valuable mentorship and networking opportunities with Nigerian professionals in the diaspora.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa described the initiative as a significant step towards equipping Nigerian youths with globally competitive skills while strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with its highly accomplished diaspora community.
“I am excited about the possibilities these partnerships bring and the opportunities they will create for our young people to learn, innovate, and thrive on a global stage”, Dabiri-Erewa added.
The meeting also explored a proposed Fulbright Leadership Exchange Programme to promote academic collaboration, leadership development, and institutional partnerships between Nigeria and San José State University.
In addition, both leaders discussed the creation of cultural murals on the university campus to celebrate diversity and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Earlier, Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson reaffirmed San José State University’s commitment to building meaningful international partnerships that promote innovation, educational excellence, and global engagement.
Both parties expressed optimism that the proposed initiatives would open new opportunities for Nigerian students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals, while further strengthening the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the United States.
