FG TO PROVIDE NIGERIAN STUDENTS 100MB FREE DAILY DATA FROM OCTOBER 1, 2026.(PHOTO)

 

FG to Provide Nigerian Students 100MB Free Daily Data from October 1, 2026

The Federal Government has announced that Nigerian students will begin receiving 100 megabytes of free daily data from October 1, 2026, to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.

The initiative, implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education, will initially cover learners in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa disclosed the commencement date on Thursday at the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria in Abuja.

“Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026,” Alausa said, acknowledging the contribution of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

Under the framework, participating mobile network operators will provide a daily zero-rated data allowance of 100MB for use on approved educational websites and platforms. The programme will start with senior secondary and tertiary students before expanding to other categories of learners.

Alausa said the ultimate goal is to ensure that no Nigerian learner is denied access to quality educational content simply because they cannot afford data. He noted that the cost of internet data has become a major barrier to digital education, particularly for children from low-income households, and that removing these charges could turn mobile phones, tablets and computers into classrooms and libraries.

The minister also disclosed that the government is working on measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16, with further details to be announced later. He stressed that educational content for children must be appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with national educational objectives and the curriculum.

Alausa added that the government is expanding digitalisation of the education sector through the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number. More than 240,000 schools have already been geo-mapped and geolocated nationwide, while the Annual School Census is being digitised to capture data on enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, connectivity and school safety.

NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Ayuba Shuaibu said the Federal Ministry of Education and the commission would jointly approve the platforms to be whitelisted. Eligible platforms will include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms, and technical and vocational training platforms.

“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. He added that the scheme would give public secondary and tertiary students access to selected learning resources at no cost, while complying with laws on cybersecurity, consumer protection, child protection, data protection, net neutrality, fair competition and inclusivity.

NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management Rimini Makama said millions of students currently cannot access digital learning platforms due to affordability challenges. “The Zero-Rated Access Initiative exists to erase that line. Its principle is simple: no learner should be shut out of educational content because of where they live or what their family earns,” she said. She noted that the NCC, mobile operators under ALTON, the Federal Ministries of Communications and Education, and other partners conducted research, benchmarking, testing and consultations to develop the framework.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Dr Bosun Tijani, represented by Adetunji Adeyemo, Director of the National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, described the initiative as a significant step towards making digital education more affordable and accessible, especially for learners in underserved communities. He pledged continued support for programmes promoting digital inclusion and access to knowledge.

In his closing remarks, NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services Abraham Oshadami identified MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Globacom among the major operators supporting the programme, thanking them for their commitment to providing free data allowances for learners on approved platforms.