The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) have launched the Zero Rated Data Access to Approved Educational Platforms and Content Initiative. This programme aims to promote modern, universal, efficient, reliable, affordable, and accessible communications services across Nigeria. Eligible users will receive up to 100 megabytes of free daily data allowance to access designated educational platforms. This initiative supports the Commission's mandate to advance digital learning and reduce the cost of data for educational activities.
The initiative's Operator-Sponsored Model will provide learners with free access to approved educational platforms, enabling them to use these platforms for studying, research, online courses, and other academic activities. A learner receiving the full 100MB allowance would have access to about 700MB of educational data each week, roughly 3GB every month, and up to 36.5GB annually. This programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of building a $1 trillion economy, which depends significantly on investing in people through education, skills acquisition, and access to learning opportunities.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, noted that the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to equip Nigerians with digital skills, knowledge, and advance human capital development. He emphasized that the significance of the initiative should be viewed beyond the daily 100MB allocation, particularly when considered over time and across the millions of learners expected to benefit from it. Maida added that increased connectivity would help bridge disparities in access to educational resources across different parts of the country.
Maida described the programme as a strategic investment in both the future of Nigeria and the telecommunications industry. He said the initiative would contribute to building a more productive workforce capable of driving innovation, economic growth, and national development. The programme is expected to enable Nigerian learners to access knowledge, prepare for examinations, conduct research, acquire digital skills, and participate in the emerging digital economy.
ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, said the telecommunications and wider technology industry has demonstrated significant commitment to the Zero-Rated Access initiative through financial and in-kind contributions amounting to almost ₦200 billion for the initial pilot involving 5,000 learners. Adebayo explained that telecommunications operators are absorbing the cost of providing the connectivity and network capacity required to deliver daily access to approved educational platforms.
Adebayo noted that the Zero-Rated Access initiative is attracting a whole-of-industry response involving telecommunications operators, OEMs, TowerCos, and other technology stakeholders. He called on other stakeholders to contribute to the national effort, stressing that, in addition to connectivity, the success of digital education requires devices, appropriate content, reliable infrastructure, digital literacy, and sustained investment.
The initiative is a partnership between the government, regulator, telecommunications operators, and other technology partners. ALTON and its members remain committed to working with the government, the NCC, the Federal Ministry of Education, and all other stakeholders to ensure that the investment produces measurable and lasting educational outcomes. Investing in education is investing in Nigeria's future, and the telecommunications industry is putting its resources behind that future.
Key points
- The initiative provides learners with up to 100 megabytes of free daily data allowance to access designated educational platforms.
- The programme aims to promote modern, universal, efficient, reliable, affordable, and accessible communications services across Nigeria.
- The initiative is a strategic investment in both the future of Nigeria and the telecommunications industry.
