Abuja, Nigeria – 20 January 2026 – The Nigerian Federal Government has opened its Tertiary Education Research and Application Service (TERAS) to private universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, signaling a major step toward creating a unified, digital higher education ecosystem in the country.
The announcement was made by Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, Minister of Education, who described the initiative as a critical move to enhance teaching, learning, research, and institutional efficiency across both public and private institutions.
“Expanding TERAS to include private institutions is a landmark step in Nigeria’s education reform agenda,” Dr. Alausa said. “Education progress requires collective responsibility, strategic public–private collaboration, and the integration of modern digital infrastructure to drive innovation and competitiveness.”
TERAS, previously exclusive to public institutions, provides a centralized digital platform with structured onboarding, reliable connectivity, standardized quality assurance, and data-driven decision-making tools. These features are designed to support institutional performance and ensure Nigerian universities and colleges remain competitive on a global scale.
The inclusion of private institutions reflects the Federal Government’s vision of a resilient, inclusive, and internationally competitive higher education sector. Officials say this move will strengthen collaboration among institutions, enhance institutional bargaining power, and accelerate the development of a shared digital future for Nigerian higher education.
Dr. Alausa encouraged eligible private institutions to formally engage with TETFund through the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, emphasizing that collective engagement is key to sustainable advancement in teaching, research, and innovation.
The initiative aligns with the education agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritizes inclusive access to quality education while positioning Nigerian tertiary institutions to achieve global relevance in research, learning, and innovation, contributing to national socio-economic development.
Elijah Adeyemi
