Nigerian students will begin receiving 100 megabytes of free daily data from October 1, 2026, to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
The Federal Government announced the initiative on Thursday in Abuja as part of efforts to make digital education more accessible to students across the country.
The programme 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 it to other categories of learners.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the commencement date at the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.
“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).
How the 100MB free data will work
Under the framework, participating mobile network operators will provide eligible students with a daily zero-rated data allowance of 100MB.
The allowance will be available for accessing educational websites and platforms approved under the initiative.
The NCC said eligible platforms could include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms, and technical and vocational training platforms.
The NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the Federal Ministry of Education and the commission would jointly approve the platforms to be whitelisted.
“The framework also adopts the operator’s consult model for the initial rollout of the initiative. Under this model, a daily zero-rated data allowance of 100 MB will be provided by the participating MNOs for usage on approved websites and platforms,” Shuaibu said.
Government targets digital education barriers
Alausa said the cost of internet data had become a major obstacle to digital learning, particularly for children 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,” the minister said.
He said providing free access to approved educational platforms could turn mobile phones, tablets and computers into classrooms and digital libraries for students who might otherwise struggle to access learning resources.
NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said millions of students were unable to use digital learning platforms because of affordability challenges.
“The Zero-Rated Access Initiative exists to erase that line. Its principle is simple: no learner should be shut out of educational content because of where they live or what their family earns,” Makama said.
She said the NCC, participating mobile network operators under ALTON, the Federal Ministries of Communications and Education, and other partners had conducted research, benchmarking, testing and consultations before developing the framework.
MTN, Airtel, Globacom among participating operators
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 thanked the operators for their “commitment to support its implementation by providing free data allowances for learners to access approved platforms.”
The framework also requires participating operators and platforms to comply with telecommunications laws covering cybersecurity, consumer protection, child protection and data protection.
It includes safeguards relating to net neutrality, fair competition and inclusivity.
Government plans internet safeguards for children
The Education Minister also disclosed that the government was working on measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16.
Alausa said further details would be announced on the proposed measure.
He stressed that educational content made available to children must be “appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with our educational objectives and our curriculum.”
Education sector gets further digital upgrades
The minister said the government was also expanding the digitalisation of the education sector through the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number.
More than 240,000 schools have been geo-mapped and geolocated across Nigeria, he disclosed.
The government is also digitising the Annual School Census to collect information on enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, connectivity and school safety.
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 zero-rated access programme as a significant step towards making digital education more affordable.
He pledged continued support for programmes focused on digital inclusion, affordable connectivity and access to knowledge.
