The Federal Government has announced plans to provide Nigerian students with 100 megabytes of free daily data from October 1, 2026, to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
The initiative, led by the Nigerian Communications Commission in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and telecommunications operators, will initially benefit students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the programme aims to remove the cost of internet data as a barrier to digital learning, particularly for students from low-income households.
The daily allowance will provide zero-rated access to approved learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms, and technical and vocational training resources.
The NCC said the participating platforms will be jointly approved by the commission and the Ministry of Education, while the programme will comply with regulations on cybersecurity, child protection, data protection, consumer protection and fair competition.
Major operators supporting the initiative include MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Globacom.
The government also disclosed plans to introduce measures regulating internet access for children below 16, while ensuring that online educational content remains safe, credible and age-appropriate.
