The Federal Government has announced that Nigerian students will receive 100 megabytes (100MB) of free daily datato access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms from October 1, 2026.
The initiative, known as the Zero-Rated Access Initiative, is being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education.
The programme will initially benefit students in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions before being expanded to other categories of learners.
Alausa Announces October 1 Commencement
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the commencement date on Thursday at the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria in Abuja.
“Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026,” Alausa said, while acknowledging the contribution of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) to the initiative.
Under the framework, participating mobile network operators will provide eligible students with a daily 100MB zero-rated data allowance, which can be used to access approved educational websites and digital platforms without incurring data charges.
The minister said the initiative was designed to tackle the cost of internet access, which has become a significant barrier to digital learning, particularly for students from low-income households.
“Our ambition must be that, ultimately, no Nigerian learner should be denied access to quality educational content simply because he or she cannot afford data,” he said.
According to Alausa, affordable access to educational platforms could transform mobile phones, tablets and computers into virtual classrooms and libraries for learners who may otherwise struggle to access digital resources.
Educational Platforms to Be Whitelisted
The NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the Federal Ministry of Education and the Commission would jointly determine and approve the educational platforms to be whitelisted under the programme.
Eligible platforms are expected to include:
- Learning management systems
- Digital libraries
- Educational repositories
- Teacher development platforms
- Technical and vocational training platforms
Shuaibu explained that the initial rollout would adopt the operator’s consult model, under which participating mobile network operators would provide the 100MB daily zero-rated data allowance for access to approved platforms.
The framework will cover public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, enabling students to access selected educational resources at no cost.
Government Plans Internet Safety Measures for Children
Alausa also disclosed that the Federal Government was developing measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16.
He said further details would be announced, stressing that digital educational content accessible to children must be appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with Nigeria’s educational objectives and curriculum.
He stated that the proposed measures would focus on regulating internet access for children below 16 years.
Government Expands Digital Education Infrastructure
The Education Minister further disclosed that the government was expanding the digitalisation of the education sector through initiatives including the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and Learner Identification Number.
According to him, more than 240,000 schools have been geo-mapped and geolocated across the country.
The government is also digitising the Annual School Census to improve access to data on school enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, connectivity and school safety.
NCC Highlights Digital Inclusion
The NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said millions of students currently face difficulties accessing digital learning platforms because of affordability challenges.
She said the Zero-Rated Access Initiative was designed to ensure that learners are not excluded from educational content because of their location or household income.
“The Zero-Rated Access Initiative exists to erase that line,” Makama said, adding that its principle is to ensure that no learner is denied access to educational content because of where they live or what their family earns.
She said the NCC, participating mobile network operators under ALTON, the Federal Ministries of Communications and Education and other partners conducted research, benchmarking, testing and consultations before developing the framework.
Network to Receive Free 100MB Are MTN, Airtel, Globacom
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, represented by the Director of the National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, Adetunji Adeyemo, described the initiative as an important step towards making digital education more affordable and accessible, particularly for learners in underserved communities.
He pledged the ministry’s continued support for initiatives promoting digital inclusion, affordable connectivity and access to knowledge.
In his closing remarks, the NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, identified MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Globacom among the major mobile network operators supporting the programme.
He commended the operators for their commitment to providing free data allowances that will enable learners to access approved educational platforms.
The Federal Government says the initiative is expected to expand access to digital learning and reduce the financial barriers preventing millions of Nigerian students from benefiting from online educational resources.
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
