The Federal Government has announced a N180 billion annual zero-rated data plan that will give five million students across Nigeria free daily access to approved digital learning platforms from October 1.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms and Content initiative, held with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecom operators.
Under the plan, each learner will get 100 megabytes of sponsored data daily at N100 per user. This will cost N15 billion monthly and N180 billion yearly.
“Zero-rated access has the potential to transform a mobile phone, tablet, or computer from simply a communication device into a classroom, a library, and a gateway to human capital development.
“The benefit of technology cannot be truly transformative if access remains determined by household income and geography.
“By enabling learners to access approved educational platforms without bearing the cost of data, we are removing one of the most significant barriers to digital learning in Nigeria,” he said.
Alausa urged development partners, including UNESCO, to count the N180 billion commitment as part of President Bola Tinubu’s education funding.
He said the plan aligns with NESRI and D-NEMIS. The ministry has also mapped over 240,000 schools and introduced the Learner’s Identification Number to track students from primary to tertiary levels.
Security agencies will soon announce internet rules for children under 16 to protect them from cyber threats.
Communications Minister Bosun Tijani, represented by Adetunji Olugbenga, backed the plan and praised the NCC and ALTON operators for funding and building its technical framework.
“Education is fundamental to the development of our nation in this digital age.
“This initiative represents a significant step toward making digital education more affordable, accessible, and inclusive, particularly for learners in underserved communities,” he said.
NCC Executive Commissioner Rimini Makama said the plan would stop financial limits from keeping students out of digital classrooms.
“Learning has moved online, and connectivity is no longer a convenience; it is part of how education happens.
“No learner should be shut out of educational content because of where they live or what their family earns,” she said.
uLesson Group representative Oladipo Olugbemi also pledged technical support from the private edtech sector.
”Zero-rated access to educational platforms is not a small technical decision; it is a statement that the country believes every learner’s right to education should not be rationed by data costs,” he said.
