The Federal Government has announced plans to provide Nigerian students with 100MB of free data every day for access to approved educational websites and digital learning platforms from October 1, 2026.
The initiative is being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission in collaboration with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the commencement date on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.
Alausa said the programme would initially target students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions before being expanded to other categories of learners.
“Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026,” the minister said.
Students to Access Educational Platforms Without Data Charges
Under the programme, participating telecommunications companies will provide beneficiaries with a daily 100MB zero-rated data allowance.
The data will be available for use on educational websites and digital platforms approved under the initiative.
According to the minister, the programme is designed to reduce the financial burden of internet access on students, particularly those from low-income families.
He said the cost of data remains one of the major obstacles preventing many Nigerian learners from fully participating in digital education.
“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,” Alausa said.
Government Targets Digital Education Gap
The Federal Government believes the initiative could help turn mobile phones, tablets and computers into learning tools for students who may otherwise have limited access to educational materials.
By removing data charges from selected educational platforms, students are expected to have greater opportunities to access online lessons, research materials and other approved academic resources.
The government also acknowledged the contribution of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria to the implementation of the programme.
New Internet Measures for Children
Alausa also revealed that the government is working on measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16.
He said additional information on the proposed policy would be announced later.
The minister stressed that digital educational content available to children must be appropriate, credible and safe, while also remaining consistent with Nigeria’s educational objectives and curriculum.
Education Sector Goes Further Digital
The government is simultaneously expanding the digital transformation of the education sector through initiatives including the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, the Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number.
Alausa disclosed that more than 240,000 schools across the country had been geo-mapped and geolocated.
The government is also digitising the Annual School Census to improve the collection of information on school enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, connectivity and school safety.
The free-data initiative is expected to provide another major boost to the government’s efforts to make digital learning more accessible to Nigerian students.
