Nigeria and World Bank Launch Global Distance Learning Institute

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the World Bank, has established the Global Distance Learning Institute (GDLI) in Abuja. This initiative aims to connect Nigerian professionals and institutions to globally relevant learning resources.

Nigeria is one of seven African countries where the World Bank has funded such a centre. The foundation stone for the Abuja facility was laid in June 2005, and it operates as an affiliate of the World Bank's Global Development Learning Network (GDLN).

The GDLI employs interactive video conferencing, internet platforms, and expert-led facilitation to facilitate knowledge sharing across borders. It is designed to serve both public and private sectors, offering training at lower costs and with greater flexibility than traditional in-person programmes.

In December 2010, it was decided that the GDLI Abuja would be handed over to a qualified private management partner, which led to AfriHUB Nigeria Ltd being selected to manage and operate the centre. The mandate includes online and on-campus training, capacity building, and technology services to support Nigeria's digital economy.