The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has launched a zero rated data initiative that will provide eligible users with up to 100 megabytes of free daily data to access approved educational platforms and content.
Under the Operator Sponsored Model, the allowance translates to about 700MB weekly, roughly 3GB monthly and up to 36.5GB annually for educational activities.
The initiative, known as the Zero Rated Data Access to Educational Platforms and Content, is aimed at reducing the cost barrier to digital learning, expanding access to educational resources and narrowing disparities in access to learning opportunities across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch on Thursday, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said affordable internet access was essential to the Federal Government’s efforts to develop human capital and equip Nigerians with digital skills.
Maida linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s target of building a $1 trillion economy, saying the goal would depend significantly on developing the country’s human capital.
He said connectivity could also help address disparities in the distribution of teachers and educational resources by allowing students to access learning materials and interact with educators regardless of their location.
“The gap between certain regions of the country where you would have a deficit in terms of teachers and other regions where you would have a surplus, connectivity is going to bridge that gap,” Maida said.
The NCC said the initiative would initially provide access only to educational websites and platforms approved and whitelisted under the programme.
Eligible platforms include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms and technical and vocational training platforms.
Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the NCC, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the Federal Ministry of Education and the NCC would jointly approve participating platforms under a governance framework that also requires compliance with telecommunications, cybersecurity, consumer protection, child protection and data protection regulations.
The framework also includes safeguards relating to net neutrality, fair competition and inclusivity across the education sector.
Maida said the 100MB daily limit was deliberately introduced to ensure the sustainability of the programme while the NCC and participating stakeholders assess usage patterns and its impact.
He said participating educational platforms were also being encouraged to optimise their services by reducing data consumption, including limiting advertisements and improving the efficiency of content delivery.
The NCC said the programme would be monitored through indicators including service availability, platform usage, data consumption, consumer complaints, network performance and compliance with regulatory requirements.
It added that data collection for an impact assessment would begin immediately, covering educational, technical, financial, consumer protection and regulatory outcomes.
Several educational platforms have already been assessed, approved and whitelisted, with additional platforms expected to be incorporated as the programme develops.
Chairman of the NCC Board, Idris Olorunnimbe, described the initiative as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving access to education.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, commended the NCC for the initiative, particularly its focus on addressing the cost of internet access as a major barrier to digital learning.
Alausa said the zero rated access would expand educational opportunities for students, particularly those from low income households, by allowing them to access approved educational platforms and content without incurring data charges.