The Federal Government has announced plans to provide Nigerian students with 100 megabytes of free daily data to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms from October 1, 2026.
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 in Abuja 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 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 and digital learning platforms without incurring data charges.
Alausa said the programme would initially cover senior secondary and tertiary institution students before being expanded 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 high cost of internet data as a major obstacle to digital learning, particularly for students from low-income households.
According to the minister, removing data charges from access to approved educational platforms could turn mobile phones, tablets and computers into virtual classrooms and libraries for learners who may otherwise struggle to access digital resources.
Alausa also disclosed that the Federal Government was developing measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16.
He said the government was concerned about ensuring that digital content accessed by children is “appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with our educational objectives and our curriculum.”
“It will be regulating internet access to children below 16 years old,” he said, adding that further details on the proposed measure would be announced later.
The minister further said the government was accelerating the digitalisation of Nigeria’s 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.
Alausa added that the government was also digitising the Annual School Census to gather data on student enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, connectivity and school safety.
The Federal Government said the measures were part of broader efforts to expand digital access and improve the quality and reach of education across the country.
