The Federal Government has invited private tertiary institutions across Nigeria to join the Tertiary Education Research and Application Service (TERAS), a national digital platform designed to strengthen teaching, research, and institutional efficiency across the higher education system.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, January 20, by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade. According to the statement, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to transform Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through technology-driven solutions and stronger collaboration with private stakeholders.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, said expanding TERAS to include private institutions is a key step toward building a more resilient and globally competitive higher education ecosystem. He noted that sustainable progress in education can only be achieved when government and private sector players work together toward shared goals.
The minister explained that TERAS, which is implemented in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, has traditionally been available to public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. However, eligible private institutions are now being encouraged to participate and benefit from the platform’s services.
Dr. Alausa described TERAS as a unified national digital infrastructure that provides reliable internet connectivity, structured onboarding processes, cost efficiency, standardised quality assurance systems, and data-driven tools for decision-making. He said these features are critical to improving academic delivery, boosting research output, and enhancing overall institutional performance.
According to him, opening the platform to private institutions supports the Federal Government’s goal of building an inclusive and integrated tertiary education system that aligns with global best practices. He added that broader participation would encourage collaboration among institutions, improve collective bargaining strength, and speed up Nigeria’s move toward a fully digitalised higher education environment.
The minister therefore urged interested private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to formally express interest and engage with TETFund through the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities.
He reaffirmed that the initiative aligns with the education agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises improved access to quality and inclusive education. He said TERAS would position Nigerian institutions for stronger global relevance in learning, research, innovation, and national development.
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