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The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, has called on institutional stakeholders to embrace the Nigeria Education Repository and Databank, NERD, for research and documentation of data as a means of advancing the education sector.
Prof. Offiong gave the charge at the Godswill Akpabio International Conference Centre during a one-day sensitisation and training symposium organised by the University of Calabar in collaboration with NERD with the theme “Understanding the Operational Framework and Core Values of NERD”.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaboration, Prof. Anthony Eneji, the Vice-Chancellor commended the Federal Ministry of Education and the NERD implementation team for introducing the initiative, and urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the symposium.
The University administrator described NERD as a transformative initiative capable of repositioning the Nigerian education sector for greater efficiency and global competitiveness.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that educational institutions can no longer rely solely on traditional methods of record keeping in an era driven by technology and information management.
Prof. Offiong emphasised the need for universities to adopt modern systems that promote transparency, accessibility, and preservation of institutional knowledge.
The University helmsman noted that universities generate enormous volumes of academic information through teaching, research, community service, and administrative activities.
He stressed that proper documentation and preservation of these resources are critical for institutional growth and national development.
According to him, the establishment of a centralised educational repository would not only safeguard valuable academic materials but also improve research visibility, facilitate collaboration among institutions, and provide policymakers with credible data for informed decision-making.
He further urged educational administrators, researchers, and students to embrace the project wholeheartedly and contribute meaningfully to its successful implementation.
Earlier, the University Registrar, Dr. Mrs. Chukwuka I. Icha, expressed delight at the presence of the NERD team and participants from the institution.
Dr Icha represented by the NERD Record Officer, Mr Onen Ubi described the symposium as a significant step toward strengthening educational development through effective data management.
According to her, the initiative represents a strategic effort to preserve educational records, improve accessibility to academic resources, and enhance policy formulation through reliable data systems.
She noted that the University of Calabar remains committed to supporting programmes and innovations capable of improving the quality and administration of higher education in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the NERD Focal Officer, Dr. Mrs. Violet Eneyo, emphasised the importance of the programme, describing it as timely, strategic, and necessary in an era where universities are increasingly expected to embrace digital compliance and effective knowledge management.
Dr. Violet noted that NERD serves as a national academic platform designed to improve access to educational resources, promote innovation, strengthen institutional visibility, and encourage responsible knowledge sharing across educational institutions in Nigeria.
The Focal Officer further stressed that the success of the NERD initiative depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
She urged members of staff to familiarise themselves with the operational framework of the platform and ensure accurate academic documentation, while encouraging students to engage responsibly with the repository by correctly uploading academic materials.
She also called on departments and units within the university to work collaboratively toward achieving timely compliance and sustaining the institution’s academic standards.
NERD representative, Mr. Victor Etta Ekpeyong, stated that the gathering was not merely for information dissemination but also to equip participants with practical knowledge necessary for effective participation in the NERD ecosystem.
He expressed appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong, for his visionary leadership and support, while commending participants for their commitment to advancing academic excellence and institutional development.
The event featured question-and-answer sessions and a call for all stakeholders to actively engage with the platform in order to enhance research visibility, knowledge preservation, and the overall academic standing of the University of Calabar.
(Public Relations Unit
University of Calabar)