The Federal Government is set to introduce a free daily data scheme for Nigerian students, with beneficiaries expected to receive up to 100MB of mobile data every day from October 1, 2026.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the development on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.
The programme, developed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education, is designed to improve students’ access to online educational resources.
Under the arrangement, participating telecommunications companies will provide eligible students with a daily 100MB data allowance for accessing approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
The students will not incur data charges while using the platforms covered by the initiative.
Government Pushes Digital Education
Alausa said the government would begin the programme with learners in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions before extending it to other categories of students.
He explained that the initiative was introduced in response to the high cost of internet access, which has continued to limit the ability of students from low-income families to take full advantage of digital learning opportunities.
The minister said improving access to educational content through digital platforms would support learning and help bridge existing gaps in access to technology.
The initiative is expected to give students greater opportunities to conduct academic research, access learning materials and use approved digital education platforms without worrying about the cost of internet data.
Alausa also outlined ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to modernise Nigeria’s education system through digital technology.
He listed the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and Learner Identification Number among the initiatives introduced to strengthen the sector’s digital infrastructure and improve education management.
The minister revealed that authorities had so far mapped and recorded the locations of more than 240,000 schools across the country.
He added that the government was transitioning the Annual School Census from its traditional format to a digital system.
According to Alausa, the new approach will make it easier for authorities to gather, organise and manage critical information about the education sector, including student and teacher populations, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, internet connectivity and school safety.
Platforms to Receive Free Access
The NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the commission and the Ministry of Education would determine which educational platforms would qualify for zero-rated access.
He identified learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher-training platforms and technical and vocational education platforms as some of the categories expected to benefit.
Shuaibu said participating mobile network operators would provide eligible students with a daily 100MB allowance that could only be used on approved websites and platforms. He added that participating telecommunications companies and digital platforms would have to comply with regulations covering cybersecurity, consumer protection, child protection and data privacy.
The framework, he said, would also promote net neutrality, fair competition and inclusiveness.
MTN, Airtel, Globacom Back Scheme
The NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the high cost of internet access had prevented many students from consistently using digital educational resources.
She said the new initiative was designed to tackle both financial and geographical barriers to online learning.
Makama disclosed that the NCC, telecommunications operators, government ministries and other stakeholders conducted research, testing and consultations before developing the framework.
Representing the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, the Director of the National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, Adetunji Adeyemo, described the programme as an important step towards making digital education more affordable, particularly for learners in underserved communities.
He assured stakeholders of the ministry’s continued support for initiatives that promote affordable connectivity and digital inclusion.
The NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, identified MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Globacom among the major operators supporting the rollout.
Oshadami commended the participating operators for committing to provide free data allowances that will enable eligible learners to access approved educational platforms from October 1.
However, further details on eligibility, registration requirements, participating telecommunications operators and the process for accessing the daily data allowance are expected to emerge ahead of the October 1 commencement date.
The programme is expected to contribute to the Federal Government’s broader efforts to promote digital inclusion and make educational resources more accessible to students across the country.
