The Federal Government has announced that eligible Nigerian students will receive 100MB of free data every day from October 1, 2026, to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.
100MB Daily Educational Data
Under the programme, eligible students will receive a daily 100MB zero-rated data allowance that can be used to access government-approved educational platforms without paying for the data consumed on those platforms.
The initiative is being coordinated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, telecommunications operators and other stakeholders.
The first phase will focus on students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions, with plans to extend the programme to other categories of learners later.
Which Platforms Will Be Covered?
The government said the free data will not provide unrestricted access to the entire internet. Instead, students will be able to use it on approved educational platforms and websites.
These are expected to include:
- Learning management systems
- Digital libraries
- Educational repositories
- Teacher-development platforms
- Technical and vocational education platforms
The NCC and Federal Ministry of Education will jointly determine which platforms qualify for the programme.
Government Explains Why the Programme Was Introduced
Minister Alausa said the cost of internet access remains one of the major barriers preventing many students, particularly those from low-income families, from benefiting fully from digital education.
He said the initiative is intended to make it easier for students to use smartphones, tablets and computers as tools for accessing educational materials.
The government also said the programme is designed to ensure that a student’s location or financial situation does not prevent them from accessing quality digital learning resources.
Telecom Operators to Support the Scheme
The initiative will involve participating mobile network operators providing the zero-rated data allowance.
Reports from the launch identified MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Globacom among the operators supporting the programme.
The NCC said the framework will also include safeguards covering cybersecurity, consumer protection, child protection, data privacy, net neutrality and fair competition.
What Students Should Know
The programme is scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026. However, the free 100MB allowance is specifically intended for approved educational content and platforms.
The Federal Government said the ultimate goal is to make digital education more affordable and accessible to Nigerian learners.
Source: Punch Newspapers, Federal Ministry of Education/NCC reports
