Nigerian universities and research institutions have recorded a major milestone in global digital identity and access infrastructure, following the admission of the Nigerian research and education network (NgREN) into the education global authentication infrastructure (eduGAIN).
The development was announced by NgREN on Tuesday after its managing director, Joshua Atah, signed the declaration of membership.
eduGAIN is an inter-federation service that connects identity federations around the world, enabling researchers, students and institutions to securely access digital services, academic content and online resources across borders.
The platform currently supports participation from over 100 countries and more than 10,000 identity and service providers.
In a statement, Atah said the admission would significantly enhance collaboration opportunities for Nigerian higher education institutions and improve secure access to international scholarly resources.
He added that the development strengthens digital trust frameworks for Nigerian institutions and firmly positions the country’s higher education system on the global academic stage.
“This achievement will greatly benefit Nigerian institutions through enhanced collaboration opportunities, secure access to international scholarly resources, and improved trust frameworks for digital services with the global academic community,” he said.
According to Attah, NgREN’s admission followed a rigorous assessment and voting process by the eduGAIN Assembly.
eduGAIN operates under the auspices of GÉANT, which connects national research and education networks worldwide to provide trusted and seamless access to online research and education services.
With the approval, Nigerian universities and research institutions federated under NgREN can now participate fully in the global inter-federation ecosystem.
Atah expressed appreciation to the eduGAIN chair, steering committee and assembly members for their diligence in reviewing and approving NgREN’s application.
“As Nigeria’s National Research and Education Network, NgREN remains committed to strengthening digital trust identity, enabling secure federated access, and supporting innovation across the higher education and research ecosystem,” he said.
NgREN serves as Nigeria’s national research and education network, providing advanced ICT infrastructure, identity federation services and collaborative platforms for universities and research institutions across the country.
The network also delivers connectivity, cloud hosting and digital identity services aimed at helping Nigerian institutions translate research outcomes into real-world impact.
