NDNB Unveils Redesigned Website and Updated Editorial Framework

The Nigerian Dictionary of National Biography (NDNB), a publication of the Institute for Historical Studies, Biographical Research, Documentation and Legacy (IHS-BiRD & L), has unveiled a redesigned website alongside major updates to its Editorial Policy, Style Guide and Contributor Terms.

The redesigned platform offers clearer navigation, improved biography presentation, and easier access to NDNB’s editorial and contributor resources. The changes are intended to make the website more accessible to readers, researchers and contributors.

The biography submission form has also been rearranged to provide a clearer and more orderly submission process. The required information is now presented in a more logical sequence, making it easier for contributors to prepare entries, supply supporting references and complete the relevant biographical fields.

“NDNB is being developed as an enduring national biographical reference resource. The redesign and policy review bring our technology, editorial standards and submission process into closer alignment. Our aim is not simply to increase the number of biographies published, but to ensure that every entry is evidence-based, responsibly edited, accessible and useful to present and future researchers,” said Bem Max Nomor, General Editor of NDNB.

The revised Editorial Policy, Style Guide and Contributor Terms took effect on 16 September 2026. Together, they establish clearer standards for the research, preparation, review, licensing and publication of NDNB biographies.

Under the updated Style Guide, biographies now follow a more consistent format designed to improve clarity, concision and readability. The revised standards strengthen requirements for reliable sources, verified dates, objective language, the treatment of conflicting evidence, and the acknowledgement of uncertainty where facts cannot be conclusively established.

The Editorial Policy further clarifies NDNB’s commitment to accuracy, balance, accessibility, editorial independence and respect for evidence. It also explains contributors' and editors' responsibilities, how corrections are handled, and the authority governing changes to published entries.

The Contributor Terms clarify the rights retained by contributors, attribution practices, the application of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence to published textual content and the separate copyright status of photographs and other third-party materials.

Biographies prepared under the revised policies follow the new format. Entries published before 16 September 2026 may retain the previous format and should be understood within the editorial standards applicable when they were prepared. Existing entries may be updated progressively where necessary.

Contributors are encouraged to review the updated policies and submission requirements before preparing new entries. Readers should also take note of the differences between earlier and current biographies when using the NDNB.

The redesigned platform and updated policies are available on the Nigerian Dictionary of National Biography website.