The Federal Government has removed data costs for millions of Nigerian students accessing approved educational platforms, in a major move to expand digital learning opportunities across the country.
Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa announced the policy on Thursday at the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.
He said the intervention, aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to ensure that the cost of internet connectivity no longer determines who can access quality education.
“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,” Alausa stated.
He emphasised that poverty, geography, or limited conventional infrastructure should not bar learners from educational opportunities, noting that a mobile phone, tablet, or computer can serve as a classroom and library once data barriers are removed.
The initiative builds on earlier efforts, including zero-rated access to the Nigeria Learning Passport through partnerships involving the Federal Government, UNICEF, and telecom operators.
It forms part of broader digital reforms under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which includes improved education data systems and the Learner Identification Number.
Alausa also announced plans for regulated internet access for children under 16 to strengthen online child protection.
He noted that the growing use of digital platforms by young people requires measures to address threats such as cyberattacks and other online harms.
“At some point, there would be regulated internet access for every child below the age of 16 years as part of measures to strengthen online child protection,” he said, stressing that expanded access to technology must go hand-in-hand with safeguards for children.
The minister called for continued collaboration among the Ministry of Education, state governments, the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecom operators, technology firms, development partners, educational institutions, and teachers.
He said the goal is to move beyond producing technology consumers to developing innovators and problem-solvers.
Lawmakers present, including House Committee on Communications Chairman Peter Akpatason and Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund Chairman Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, welcomed the initiative, describing high data costs as a major barrier to digital learning and pledging legislative support.
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