The Federal Government has unveiled a new digital education initiative that will allow millions of Nigerian students to access approved educational platforms without paying data charges.
The initiative, known as the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Thursday.
The policy is aimed at removing the cost of internet data as a major barrier to digital learning, particularly for students from low-income families and those living in underserved communities.
Under the initiative, access will be zero-rated for designated educational platforms and content, meaning students will not incur normal data charges when using approved services. The scheme is expected to cover digital libraries, learning management systems, educational repositories, teacher-training platforms and technical and vocational education resources.
The government is working with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecommunications operators and other stakeholders to determine the platforms that will qualify for the arrangement.
Alausa said the intervention was designed to ensure that poverty or geographical location would not determine a child’s access to educational opportunities.
“This initiative goes beyond connectivity. It is about putting learning within reach of children who may otherwise be unable to afford the data required to access it,” the minister said.
The initiative forms part of the digital transformation component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
The Federal Ministry of Education is also developing systems including the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and Learner Identification Number as part of efforts to modernise education management.
The government had previously experimented with zero-rated educational access through the Nigeria Learning Passport, developed in partnership with UNICEF and other stakeholders. Users accessing the platform through whitelisted Airtel SIMs were able to access its content without data charges.
FG plans internet safeguards for under-16s
Alongside the expansion of digital access, Alausa disclosed plans to introduce regulated internet access for children below 16 years.
He said the measure would form part of efforts to strengthen online child protection and address risks, including cyberattacks, associated with children’s growing use of digital platforms.
The government has not yet released the full details of the proposed under-16 regulations, including how they would be enforced.
Alausa urged state governments, the NCC, telecom operators, technology companies, development partners, educational institutions and teachers to collaborate in ensuring that the digital education programme delivers measurable improvements in learning.
He said Nigeria’s objective should go beyond producing young people who merely consume technology, stressing the need to equip them to create technology, innovate and develop solutions to societal challenges.
The initiative is expected to widen access to digital learning, particularly for students who currently struggle to afford internet connectivity. Its impact, however, will depend on the availability of approved platforms, reliable network coverage and effective implementation.
