The Federal Government has announced that, beginning October 1, 2026, Nigerian students will receive 100 megabytes of free daily data to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
This initiative, implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education, will initially benefit students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
The commencement date was revealed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Abuja. He credited the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) for their contribution to the program.
Under the framework, participating mobile network operators will provide a daily zero-rated data allowance of 100MB, exclusively for use on approved educational websites and platforms. The program will first roll out to senior secondary and tertiary students, with plans to expand to other categories of learners.
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,” Dr. Alausa stated.
He emphasized that the high cost of internet data remains a significant barrier to digital education, especially for students from low-income families. Providing access to educational platforms without data charges, he said, can transform mobile devices into classrooms and libraries for many learners.
Dr. Alausa also disclosed that the government is developing measures to regulate internet access for children under 16, with more details to be announced. He stressed that educational content for children must be appropriate, credible, safe, and aligned with national educational objectives and curricula.
In addition, the government is expanding the digitalization of the education sector via projects such as the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, the Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System, and the Learner Identification Number. Over 240,000 schools have been geo-mapped nationwide, and the Annual School Census is being digitized to gather data on enrollment, teachers, facilities, connectivity, and safety.
NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, explained that the Ministry of Education and NCC will jointly approve the educational platforms to be whitelisted under the initiative, including learning management systems, digital libraries, teacher development tools, and vocational training resources. The framework mandates compliance with telecommunications laws on cybersecurity, consumer and child protection, and data privacy, and includes provisions for net neutrality, fair competition, and inclusivity.
NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, highlighted the affordability barrier faced by millions of students, saying the initiative aims to ensure that no learner is excluded from educational resources due to their location or household income. She noted that the framework was developed following research, benchmarking, and consultation among relevant ministries, NCC, mobile network operators under ALTON, and other partners.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, represented by Adetunji Adeyemo, described the initiative as a major step toward affordable, accessible digital education, especially for underserved communities. He reaffirmed the ministry’s support for programs that promote digital inclusion, affordable internet, and access to knowledge.
In closing, NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, recognized major mobile network operators MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Globacom for their commitment to the program by providing free data allowances for learners to access approved educational platforms.
