Lawyer warns on kids' internet access as FG rolls out 100MB school data

A legal practitioner, Ahiakwo, warned that unregulated children's access to social media could expose them to online dangers such as harmful content, exploitation and cyberbullying, urging Nigeria to follow Australia, the UK and others in legislating controls for users under 16 while preserving legitimate educational use. His comments came as the Federal Government announced it will soon grant 100MB of data to schoolchildren to enable access to educational resources. Ahiakwo called on the government to clarify the policy framework, specifying whether the data will be limited to verified educational platforms, how children will be protected from harmful material, and how access will be supervised. He also asked how students without suitable devices or reliable electricity will benefit, what the programme will cost the public, and what measurable educational outcomes the government expects. Questioning whether 100MB is sufficient for meaningful digital learning—such as watching instructional videos, attending virtual classes, downloading materials and conducting online research—he argued that digital access cannot replace basic educational infrastructure like functional classrooms, competent teachers, textbooks, laboratories, libraries and reliable power. He urged the FG to explain how the data initiative will align with its broader policies on children's social media access and other harmful online services.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/12/childrens-access-to-internet-should-be-strictly-regulated-lawyer/