The Federal Government will provide Nigerian students with 100MB of free data every day from October 1, 2026, under a new initiative designed to reduce the cost of accessing online educational resources.
The programme, known as the Zero-Rated Access Initiative, is being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education.
It will initially cover students in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, with plans to extend the programme to other categories of learners.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the October 1 start date on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the initiative.
“Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026,” Alausa said.
How the 100MB free data will work
Under the scheme, participating mobile network operators will provide eligible students with a daily 100MB data allowance that can be used to access government-approved educational websites and digital learning platforms without the usual data charges.
The free allowance will not provide unrestricted internet access. Instead, the data will apply to platforms and websites that have been approved and placed on the programme’s allowlist.
NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said eligible platforms could include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher-development platforms and technical and vocational training resources.
The initial rollout will use an operator-based model under which participating mobile network operators provide the daily zero-rated allowance.
MTN, Airtel and Globacom to support rollout
The NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, identified MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Globacom among the major operators supporting the programme.
The operators are expected to provide the free daily allowance to learners accessing approved educational content.
The framework also requires the participating companies and platforms to comply with telecommunications regulations covering cybersecurity, consumer protection, child protection and data protection.
The NCC said the initiative also includes safeguards relating to net neutrality, fair competition and inclusivity.
FG says data costs are blocking digital education
Alausa said the cost of internet access remains a significant barrier to digital education, particularly for students from low-income households.
He said removing data charges from educational platforms could allow smartphones, tablets and computers to function as classrooms and digital libraries for learners who cannot consistently afford internet access.
“Our ambition must be that, ultimately, no Nigerian learner should be denied access to quality educational content simply because they cannot afford data,” the minister said.
NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, similarly said millions of students face difficulties accessing digital learning resources because of affordability and connectivity challenges.
She said the initiative was intended to reduce the gap between students who can afford digital resources and those whose household income limits their access.
Government plans tighter internet controls for children
Alongside the free-data programme, Alausa disclosed that the Federal Government was working on measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16.
The minister did not provide details of the proposed regulation but said further announcements would be made.
He stressed that educational content accessible to children must be appropriate, credible, safe and consistent with Nigeria’s curriculum and educational objectives.
The government’s broader digital education programme also includes the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and Learner Identification Number.
Alausa said more than 240,000 schools had been geo-mapped and geolocated across Nigeria.
The government is also digitising the Annual School Census to collect information on school enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, internet connectivity and school safety.
Communications Ministry backs initiative
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, represented by the Director of the National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, Adetunji Adeyemo, described the programme as an important step towards expanding affordable digital access.
He said the ministry would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving digital inclusion and access to knowledge, particularly for learners in underserved communities.
The NCC said the framework followed research, benchmarking, testing and consultations involving government agencies, telecommunications operators and other stakeholders before its adoption.
