By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

The Federal Government has announced plans to provide Nigerian students with 100MB of free internet data every day to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.

The programme is expected to commence on October 1, 2026, with students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions expected to be the first beneficiaries.

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Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the commencement date on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.

The initiative is being developed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Under the arrangement, participating mobile network operators will provide eligible students with a daily 100MB data allowance dedicated to accessing approved educational websites and online learning platforms without additional data charges.

FG to Give Nigerian Students 100MB Free Daily Data for Educational Websites

According to the minister, the initiative will initially focus on students in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions before being expanded to cover other categories of learners.

Alausa explained that the programme was introduced in response to the high cost of internet access, which he said remains a significant barrier to digital learning for many Nigerian students, particularly those from low-income households.

He said removing data costs from selected educational platforms would make it easier for students to use smartphones, tablets and computers as tools for learning.

The minister described the devices as potential digital classrooms and libraries, particularly for students who may not have regular access to physical educational resources or affordable internet services.

The Federal Government is expected to work with telecommunications companies and education technology providers to determine the educational platforms and websites that will qualify for the zero-rated access programme.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to expand digital learning opportunities and reduce barriers to online education in Nigeria.

By allowing students to access approved educational content without using their regular paid data allocation, the government hopes to increase the use of digital resources among Nigerian learners and make online education more accessible.