The Federal Government has unveiled an innovative and cutting-edge centralized hub called Tertiary Education Research, Applications, and Services (TERAS). This technology-driven platform aims to revolutionize the country’s tertiary education system by bringing together educators, students, and the academic community.

Professor Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education, expressed his excitement about TERAS and its potential to reposition and strengthen the tertiary education sector. He stressed that the federal government is committed to providing unwavering support to beneficiary institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to fully harness the power of TERAS.

“Education is not just an investment in our children’s future; it is also an investment in the destiny of our nation. Challenges such as the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and funding constraints in the education sector continue to weigh heavily on our minds,” remarked Prof. Mamman.

The Minister believes that TERAS holds tremendous benefits for educators, students, and the entire educational community. He emphasized the importance of fully exploiting the vast potential of this groundbreaking platform.

Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, provided insight into the origins and purpose of TERAS. He explained that the centralized hub was conceived during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic when the education system came to a halt. However, this disruption also served as a catalyst for action.

TERAS seamlessly integrates various essential components, starting with an identity management system known as the Beneficiary Identity Management System (BIMS). This is followed by a federated academic repository that addresses the critical challenges faced by students, researchers, and institutions in accessing educational resources and research materials.

Echono highlighted additional services available through TERAS, including sponsored mobile internet access, plagiarism checking with EagleScan, aggregated journal and research subscriptions (such as EBSCO), Blackboard Learning Management System, digital literacy programs (ICDL and communication skills), and intervention funding for institutions, staff, and students.

Professor Yakubu Ochefu, the Secretary of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, compared TERAS to an educational technology mall. He urged Nigerians with groundbreaking educational technologies that can fill gaps in the sector and add value to Nigeria’s edu-tech landscape to come forward and collaborate.

“I want to draw the attention of the Minister to ensure that TERAS serves as a research platform for all Nigerians. It has been built on the public educational platform and should be accessible to all Nigerians,” Prof. Ochefu emphasized.

TERAS represents a significant step forward in transforming and revitalizing the tertiary education system in Nigeria. With its comprehensive range of services and potential for collaboration, this centralized hub has the power to revolutionize the way educators and students engage with the academic community.