The Federal Government has introduced a groundbreaking initiative, the Tertiary Education Research, Applications, and Services (TERAS), which serves as a centralized hub for tertiary education services.
This innovative platform aims to foster collaboration among educators, students, and the academic community while revitalizing and strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
During the launch event held in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, revealed the importance of TERAS and its potential to reshape the landscape of tertiary education in the country.
He emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting beneficiary institutions and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to fully harness the capabilities of TERAS.
TERAS promises to be a vital tool in enhancing the quality of education and research in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, as well as fostering greater connectivity and collaboration within the academic community.
“Education is an investment in the future for our children and the destiny of our nation. Issues stemming from the past, including the disruptions caused by COVID-19, as well as ongoing funding challenges in our sector, continue to weigh heavily on our minds, he said.
”The benefits that TERAS promises to bring to educators, students, and the entire educational community are awe-inspiring and must be fully exploited,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, explained that the Tertiary Education Research, Applications and Services, was envisioned as the centralized hub for tertiary education services.
He said, “TERAS has its origins in the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic when our education system ground to a halt. The impact was profound but it also catalyzed action.
“TERAS is designed to seamlessly integrate various essential components. First is identity management through BIMS (Beneficiary Identity Management System), followed by a federated academic repository to address critical challenges faced by students, researchers; and institutions in accessing educational resources and research materials.
“Other services such as sponsored Mobile Internet Access, and EagleScan for plagiarism checking. Aggregated Journal & Research Subscription inclusive of EBSCO, Blackboard Learning Management System, Digital Literacy (ICDL and Communication Skills), and Intervention Funding are available to our institutions, staff, and students.”
In a remark, the Secretary, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof Yakubu Ochefu, explained that TERAS can be likened to an educational technology mall,
He called on Nigerians with any form of technology that can fill gaps in the education sector and add value to Nigeria’s edu-tech, to come forward.
” I want to draw the attention of the minister to ensure TERAS serves as a research platform for all Nigerians. It has been built on the public educational platform and should be open to all Nigerians”.