FG scraps data charges, announces free data
The Federal Government has scrapped data charges for millions of Nigerian students accessing approved educational platforms and announced that they will also receive 100 megabytes (MB) of free daily data from October 1, 2026.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known on Thursday during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.
The programme is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to digital learning and reduce the financial burden associated with internet access for students.
Alausa said the initiative was introduced to ensure that the cost of internet data would not prevent Nigerian children and young people from accessing educational materials.
He explained that many learners were still affected by poverty, location and limited access to traditional educational facilities, making digital platforms an important way of reaching them.
According to the minister, a smartphone, tablet or computer could provide access to classrooms, libraries and other learning opportunities when the cost of accessing educational content was removed.
The initiative is coming amid concerns over Nigeria’s education challenges, including the large number of children who remain out of school and the unequal access to digital learning facilities.
Access to reliable internet, electricity and digital devices remains difficult for many learners, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
The Federal Government has previously introduced similar measures for some educational platforms. One of such efforts involved the Nigeria Learning Passport, where data charges were removed for users accessing the platform through a whitelisted Airtel SIM.
The Nigeria Learning Passport was developed by the Federal Government in partnership with UNICEF and other organisations to provide digital curriculum materials to students and teachers.
Alausa said the latest programme would form part of the government’s wider plan to use technology to improve Nigeria’s education system under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
He also listed several digital reforms being developed by the ministry, including the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number.
The minister said the success of the digital education reforms would depend on whether they could improve learning and reach students who needed the support most.
