FG Invites Private Tertiary Institutions to Join TERAS, Boosts Digital Education Drive

T The Federal Government has invited eligible private tertiary institutions across Nigeria to join the Tertiary Education Research and Application Service (TERAS), a national digital platform aimed at strengthening teaching, learning, research, innovation, and institutional efficiency in higher education.

The call was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, as part of efforts to deepen public–private collaboration and accelerate Nigeria’s digital education reforms.

Dr. Alausa said the move reflects the government’s resolve to build a more inclusive and sustainable tertiary education ecosystem, noting that progress in education requires shared responsibility between the public and private sectors.

“Sustainable transformation of Nigeria’s education sector can only be achieved through inclusive partnerships. By opening TERAS to eligible private institutions, we are strengthening collaboration and ensuring that no critical stakeholder is left behind,” the Minister said.

He explained that TERAS, implemented in partnership with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has historically supported public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, but is now being expanded to accommodate private institutions willing to formally partner with TETFund.

According to the Minister, the expansion marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital education reform agenda.

“TERAS provides a unified national digital infrastructure that supports structured onboarding, reliable connectivity, cost efficiency, standardised quality assurance, and data-driven decision-making. These are critical tools for improving institutional performance and enhancing global competitiveness,” Dr. Alausa stated.

He added that integrating private tertiary institutions into the platform aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of a unified, resilient, and globally competitive higher education system built on international best practices.

“Collective engagement through TERAS will strengthen collaboration across the sector, improve bargaining power, and accelerate the development of a shared digital future for Nigerian tertiary education,” he said.

The Ministry of Education noted that the initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises access to quality, inclusive education and positions Nigeria for global relevance.

The invitation is expected to widen access to premium digital services and foster stronger synergy across Nigeria’s higher education landscape.