The Federal Government has announced plans to eliminate data charges for millions of Nigerian students accessing approved educational platforms as part of efforts to expand digital learning across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Thursday at the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.
Alausa said the programme would ensure that the cost of internet access does not prevent students from accessing educational resources.
He said the initiative, introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was designed to address a major barrier to digital education in Nigeria.
“This initiative goes beyond connectivity. It is about putting learning within reach of children who may otherwise be unable to afford the data required to access it,” the minister said.
Alausa said poverty, location and limited access to traditional educational facilities should not determine whether Nigerian children can access learning opportunities.
He added that smartphones, tablets and computers could function as classrooms and libraries when the cost of accessing educational content was removed.
The initiative comes amid persistent challenges in Nigeria’s education sector, including limited digital access, poor internet connectivity, inadequate electricity and gaps in digital skills.
UNICEF has previously reported that millions of Nigerian children are out of school, while challenges with connectivity and digital infrastructure continue to affect access to online learning, particularly in rural communities.
FG to Remove Data Charges for Millions of Nigerian Students
