Fellowship Framework of the Institute for Historical Studies, Biographical Research, Documentation and Legacy (IHS-BiRD & L)

1. What Fellowship Means at IHS-BiRD & L

At the Institute for Historical Studies, Biographical Research, Documentation and Legacy (IHS-BiRD & L), Fellowship is a structured system of recognition earned through verifiable contribution or principled support of the Institute’s mission.

Fellowship is neither automatic nor purchasable. It reflects demonstrated commitment to historical research, biographical documentation, records preservation, or the sustainable support of these activities. It is conferred only in accordance with defined standards, ethical guidelines, and institutional review.

Fellowship is earned in one of two ways:

1. By doing the work – research, writing, documentation, and editorial contribution.
2. By supporting the work – financial or institutional support for the Institute.

These two paths are distinct but complementary.

PATH ONE: Work and Earn Fellowship

(Research, Writing, Documentation)

Step 1: Join a Core Work Area

Participants contribute in one or more of the Institute’s focus areas:

1. Historical Studies – activities and research advancing the study of history.
2. Biographical Research – including contributions to NDNB.ng and other notable biographical works.
3. Records & Documentation – including work on PublicRecords.ng, TheMaceReports.ng, and related documentation initiatives.

Step 2: Contribute and Build Record

Participants typically begin as:

1. Contributors (entry level), and
2. Progress to Fellows after validated and reviewed outputs.

All work is subject to editorial review for accuracy, ethics, originality, and quality.

Step 3: Participate in Projects

Contributors may:

1. Work on specific Institute projects (e.g., NDNB.ng, PublicRecords.ng, TheMaceReports.ng).
2. Join research teams.
3. Undertake editorial or documentation assignments.

Becoming a Working Fellow means making measurable academic or documentary contributions to the Institute’s mission.

It is not ceremonial. It is earned.

Step 4: Conferment of Fellowship (Recognition)

After meeting defined contribution and impact criteria, Fellowship may be conferred by IHS-BiRD & L.

Fellowship titles are awarded by area of work and recognise proven contribution and impact — not position, status, or financial support.

Fellowship Titles and Criteria

FIHS – Fellow of Historical Studies

Awarded for assessed contribution, scholarship, or measurable impact in advancing historical studies.

DFIHS – Distinguished Fellow of Historical Studies

Awarded for sustained national or institutional impact and distinguished service aligned with the Institute’s values.

FBR – Fellow of Biographical Research

Awarded upon contribution of at least 20 approved and graded biographical entries on NDNB.ng or other notable biographical works.

DFBR – Distinguished Fellow of Biographical Research

Awarded upon contribution of at least 100 approved and graded biographical entries on NDNB.ng or other substantial biographical works aligned with the Institute’s values.

FRD – Fellow of Records & Documentation

Awarded upon contribution of at least 50 verified entries on PublicRecords.ng or related documentation platforms.

DFRD – Distinguished Fellow of Records & Documentation

Awarded upon contribution of at least 200 verified entries on PublicRecords.ng or related documentation initiatives.

Important Notes on Work-Based Fellowship

1. All contributions are subject to editorial review, factual verification, and quality control.
2. Quantitative thresholds indicate minimum eligibility — not automatic conferment.
3. The Board of Directors or relevant Editorial Board reserves the right to defer or withhold conferment where standards are not met.
4. Fellowship titles are honours-based recognitions and do not imply employment or governance authority within the Institute.
5. Upon meeting the required threshold for any Fellowship category, eligible contributors may apply by completing and submitting the appropriate application form. Upon review and approval, a confirmation email will be sent to initiate processing of the Fellowship certificate and official institutional identification emblems.

PATH TWO: Support the Institute

(Contributing Fellowship)

The Contributing Fellowship recognises individuals and organisations that financially or institutionally support the mission of IHS-BiRD & L.

Key Clarifications

1. Contributing Fellowship is not a research pathway.
2. It does not lead to FIHS, FBR, FRD, or other earned scholarly.
3. It carries no editorial, research, or governance authority.
4. Recognises support through certificates, registry listing, acknowledgement in annual reports, and recognition of supported projects.

Individual Contributing Fellowship

The Individual Contributing Fellowship recognises individuals who, as an expression of civic responsibility and principled leadership, voluntarily support the Institute’s work in historical documentation, records preservation, research, education, and publishing.

Contributing Fellows respect the Institute’s intellectual independence and scholarly integrity.

Recognition under this category is institutional — not scholarly.

Corporate and Institutional Contributing Fellowship

The Corporate & Institutional Contributing Fellowship recognises corporations, foundations, public institutions, and mission-aligned entities that demonstrate responsible corporate citizenship through sustained support of Nigeria’s historical memory and documentary heritage.

These organisations support the Institute’s sustainability while respecting its academic independence. This fellowship:

1. Does not confer editorial, research, or governance authority.
2. Does not influence historical interpretation or biographical inclusion.
3. Recognises institutional support through certificates, registry listing, acknowledgement in annual reports, and recognition of supported projects.

One Simple Rule

If you do the work, you may earn a Fellowship.

If you support the work, you are recognised as a Contributing Fellow.

Ethics and Governance

All contributors and Fellows are expected to:

1. Uphold historical accuracy.
2. Respect sources, communities, and cultural contexts.
3. Use the Institute’s name responsibly.