JOSTUM to Introduce TETFund BIMS 2.0 for Digital Access to Academic and Research Resources; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), is preparing to introduce the Beneficiary Identity Management Service (BIMS) 2.0, an initiative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) designed to expand digital access to academic and research resources for staff, students and researchers.
The planned rollout was discussed during a meeting with university union leaders on 13 October 2026 at the Vice-Chancellor’s Conference Room.
The Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Isaac Nathaniel Itodo, was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Elizabeth Kembe.
The initiative is expected to improve access to digital learning tools, academic materials and research support services across the university community.
Digital Services Available Through JOSTUM BIMS 2.0
The Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at JOSTUM, Engr. Dr Philip Omolaye, explained that the initiative would provide access to mobile data and the Tertiary Education Research Application Services (TERAS) platform.
The platform is designed to support teaching, learning and research by providing users with access to relevant digital resources and academic services.
Engr. John-Mark Ekwuejeh, the initiative’s focal person, described TERAS as a digital system that offers a range of academic and research support services.
These include:
- Plagiarism checking services: Tools to help users check academic work for plagiarism.
- Literacy certification: Access to literacy certification services.
- Academic journals: Digital access to academic publications.
- International research articles: Access to research articles from around the world.
- Other digital learning and research resources: Additional materials and services to support academic development and research activities.
Through these services, BIMS 2.0 is intended to provide staff, students and researchers with improved access to digital resources that can support their academic and professional activities.
JOSTUM BIMS 2.0 Registration and Identity Verification
Prospective users will be required to provide valid email addresses to receive verification links as part of the registration process.
Users must complete the required identification, verification and onboarding procedures before they can access the available resources.
The identity verification process is an important part of the initiative, as beneficiaries must complete the necessary steps before using the digital services.
Dr Omolaye encouraged university union leaders to inform their members about the services available through BIMS 2.0 and the importance of participating in the initiative.
He emphasised the need to ensure that members of the university community are aware of the digital resources and understand how to begin the registration and verification process.
JOSTUM Management Encourages Digital Technology Adoption
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elizabeth Kembe urged members of the university community to embrace digital technologies that promote academic development and improve productivity among staff and students.
Her remarks highlighted the importance of adopting digital tools to support teaching, learning, research and other academic activities.
The planned introduction of BIMS 2.0 is part of the effort to expand access to digital academic and research resources at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi.
Staff, students and researchers are encouraged to take note of the initiative, provide valid email addresses when registration begins and complete the required verification and onboarding procedures to access the available services.
