The Federal Government has announced plans to provide Nigerian students with 100 megabytes of free data every day from October 1, 2026, to enable them access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
The initiative, being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education, will initially target students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
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 to the programme.
Under the initiative, 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, platforms and digital content without incurring data charges.
Initiative to Expand to Other Learners
Alausa said the programme would initially cover senior secondary school and tertiary institution students before being extended 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,” the minister said.
He identified the cost of internet data as a major barrier to digital learning, particularly for students from low-income households.
According to the minister, removing data charges from approved educational platforms could help transform smartphones, tablets and computers into virtual classrooms and libraries, giving more students access to learning resources.
FG Plans Internet Controls for Under-16s
Alausa also disclosed that the government was working on measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16.
He said further details of the proposed measures would be announced later, stressing that digital content accessible to children must meet appropriate safety and educational standards.
“It will be regulating internet access to children below 16 years old,” he said.
The minister added that educational content provided to children must be “appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with our educational objectives and our curriculum.”
Government Expands Education Digitalisation
Alausa said the Federal Government was also expanding digitalisation across the education sector through initiatives including the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number.
He disclosed that more than 240,000 schools had been geo-mapped and geolocated nationwide.
The government, he added, was also digitising the Annual School Census to improve the collection of data on student enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, internet connectivity and school safety.
The minister said the digital initiatives were aimed at strengthening education planning, improving access to learning resources and ensuring that government policies were guided by reliable data.
