FG waives data costs for millions accessing educational platforms
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa launched the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, announcing that data costs will be waived for millions of learners in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions who use approved educational platforms. Speaking at the launch, he said the move is a decisive step toward ensuring that poverty, geography and connectivity expenses no longer determine access to quality learning, and is part of the broader Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Alausa also revealed plans for regulated internet access for children below the age of 16 to strengthen online child protection, noting that a mobile phone, tablet or computer can become a classroom, library and gateway to opportunity when connectivity costs are removed. The initiative leverages the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, the Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number to improve planning, management and delivery of education. He called for sustained collaboration among the Ministry, state governments, the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecom operators, technology firms, development partners, schools and teachers to make digital education accessible, safe and relevant.
With free data now available on approved platforms, will students and parents take full advantage to boost learning outcomes, and how should families prepare for the upcoming regulated access rules for under‑16s?