*The Federal Government officially activates its Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms and Content initiative for learners to access approved online educational platforms at no cost, announcing a N180 billion annual zero-rated data initiative for five million students across the West African country
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
In a decisive move to further enable students and learners to access approved online educational platforms without cost, the Nigerian Government has announced a N180 billion annual zero-rated data initiative for five million students across the country.
ConsumerConnect reports the Federal Government’s policy decision is in sync with its plan to offer free “daily Internet access” to approved digital learning platforms, effective from October 1, 2026.
Child Online Protection: Nigeria moves to regulate under-16 Internet access over cyberthreats
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Honourable Minister for Education, disclosed this development Thursday, September 10, in Abuja, FCT, during the official launch of the Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms and Content initiative.
The Education Ministry organised the event in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunications operators in the country’s digital ecosystem.
What’s in Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms and Content for learners?
Highlighting the features of the education access initiative, Dr. Alausa explained that under the scheme, five million students cum learners would receive 100 megabytes of sponsored data daily at 100 Naira per user, amounting to N15 billion monthly and N180 billion annually in zero-rated educational access.
The Minister explained: “Zero-rated access has the potential to transform a mobile phone, tablet, or computer from simply a communication device into a classroom, a library, and a gateway to human capital development.
“The benefit of technology cannot be truly transformative if access remains determined by household income and geography.
“By enabling learners to access approved educational platforms without bearing the cost of data, we are removing one of the most significant barriers to digital learning in Nigeria.”
Initiative part of Tinubu’s national education funding plan, says Alausa
Beckoning other stakeholders in the education sector to support the zero-rated access to approved educational platforms, Dr. Alausa urged international development partners, including UNESCO, to recognise the N180 billion sponsored data commitment as an integral component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national education funding allocations.
He noted that the initiative aligned directly with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and the digitised Nigeria Education Management Information System (D-NEMIS).
The Minister revealed that the Federal Ministry of Education has already geomapped and geolocated over 240,000 schools nationwide while deploying the Learner’s Identification Number (LIN) to track students from primary to tertiary levels.
According to him, security agencies would soon announce regulated Internet access parameters for children under 16 years to protect underage learners from cyber threats.
Dr. Tijani: Government committed to bridging digital divide in rural communities
Speaking at the forum also, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in rural communities across Nigeria.
Dr. Tijani was represented at the event by Adetunji Olugbenga, Director at National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, in the Ministry.
The Minister lauded the NCC and telecommunications operators under the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) for funding and executing the technical framework.
He also said: “Education is fundamental to the development of our nation in this digital age.
“This initiative represents a significant step towards making digital education more affordable, accessible, and inclusive, particularly for learners in underserved communities.”
Connectivity now integral part of education, learning, says NCC
In her remarks at the project launch, Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management (ECSM) at NCC, said the education access framework would ensure that no student is excluded from digital classrooms due to financial constraints.
Makama asserted: “Learning has moved online, and connectivity is no longer a convenience; it is part of how education happens.
“No learner should be shut out of educational content because of where they live or what their family earns.”
Commenting on the development, Mr. Oladipo Olugbemi, a representative of uLesson Group, pledged technical support from the private edtech sector to guarantee platform quality and seamless access for students.
Olugbemi averred: ”Zero-rated access to educational platforms is not a small technical decision; it is a statement that the country believes every learner’s right to education should not be rationed by data costs.”