By George Omagbemi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in partnership with the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has commenced the rollout of zero-rated data access to approved educational platforms and content across Nigeria.
The initiative, which began on October 1, 2026, is designed to reduce the cost of digital learning and enable eligible learners to access approved educational resources without the data consumed on those platforms being deducted from their regular data balances.
Under the Operator-Sponsored Model, eligible users can receive up to 100MB of free educational data daily, equivalent to about 700MB weekly, 3GB monthly and 36.5GB annually if the full daily allowance is used.
The initial programme targets learners in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, with approved platforms including learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher-development resources and technical and vocational training platforms.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand digital skills, knowledge and human-capital development.
ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo said telecommunications operators and other technology stakeholders had committed financial and in-kind resources to the programme.
The NCC said only platforms approved and whitelisted under the programme will initially qualify for the zero-rated access, while additional platforms may be incorporated as implementation progresses.
The initiative is therefore not unrestricted free internet, but a targeted intervention aimed at making digital education more affordable and accessible to Nigerian learners.
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