The Federal Government has announced that Nigerian students will begin receiving 100 megabytes of free daily data from 1 October 2026, to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
The initiative, being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission in partnership with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education, will initially cover learners in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced 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 1st October 2026,” Alausa said, acknowledging the contribution of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria to the programme.
Under the framework, participating mobile network operators will provide a daily zero-rated data allowance of 100MB, which beneficiaries can use on approved educational websites and platforms.
Speaking further, Alausa said the initiative would begin with senior secondary school and tertiary institution students before being extended to other categories of learners.
“Our ambition must be that, ultimately, no Nigerian learner should be denied access to quality educational content simply because he or she cannot afford data,” the minister said.
He noted that the cost of internet data had become a major barrier to digital education, particularly for children from low-income households.
According to him, providing access to educational platforms without data charges could transform mobile phones, tablets and computers into classrooms and libraries for students who might otherwise struggle to access digital resources.
The minister also disclosed that the government was working on measures to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16, with further details expected to be announced.
He said educational content made available to children must be “appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with our educational objectives and our curriculum.”
Alausa added, “It will be regulating internet access to children below 16 years old,” saying further announcements would follow on the proposed measure.
The minister said the government was also expanding the digitalisation of the education sector through the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number.
He disclosed that more than 240,000 schools had been geo-mapped and geolocated across the country, while the government was digitising the Annual School Census to obtain information on enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, connectivity and school safety.