The Federal Government has announced that Nigerian students in public secondary schools and tertiary institutions will receive 100MB of free daily data starting October 1, 2026, to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms. The programme, named the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, was officially launched in Abuja on Thursday.
Rollout Details and Coverage
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, revealed the rollout date during the launch event in Abuja. The programme will initially cover students in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, with plans to expand to more learners later. The free data is zero-rated, meaning it will only work on approved educational websites and platforms, and will not cover social media, YouTube (unless approved), or other regular internet browsing.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), approved platforms will include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms, and technical and vocational education platforms. The initiative is supported by major telecom operators including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Globacom.
Government's Motivation and Quotes
Dr Alausa explained that the rising cost of internet data has become a major obstacle for many Nigerian students, especially those from low-income families. He stated, “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.” He added that providing free access to learning resources could turn everyday devices into classrooms and libraries for students across the country.
The minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria to the programme. “Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026,” Alausa said.
Partnership and Implementation Framework
Officials from the NCC and representatives from major telecom operators signed a partnership agreement to deliver the daily free data. NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the Ministry of Education and the commission will jointly decide which educational platforms will be whitelisted for the free data. “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.
NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, confirmed the backing of MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, thanking the operators for their support in providing free daily data allowances to help students access learning resources at no cost.
Additional Reforms and Future Plans
The minister also revealed that the government is working on measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16. “It will be regulating internet access to children below 16 years old,” Alausa said, adding that more details would be announced later. He stressed that any online educational content made available to children must be "appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with our educational objectives and our curriculum."
Beyond the free data initiative, the Federal Government said it is expanding the digitalisation of education through projects such as the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, the Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System, and the Learner Identification Number. Alausa also disclosed that more than 240,000 schools across Nigeria have already been geo-mapped while the Annual School Census is being digitised to improve data on school enrolment, teachers, classrooms, internet connectivity, libraries, laboratories and school safety.
