By Epiphanus Obia
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is considering a policy that would allow students to access approved educational websites and learning platforms without paying for mobile data, as part of efforts to expand digital access to education across the country.
The telecom regulator has opened a public consultation on the proposal, known as the Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms initiative, seeking input from telecommunications operators, education stakeholders and members of the public on how the programme should be implemented.
According to the NCC, the initiative is intended to remove internet costs that prevent many students from accessing online learning resources and digital skills programmes.
The commission said the proposal is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s call for telecom operators to provide uninterrupted connectivity to educational institutions and learning platforms.
As part of the consultation, the NCC is weighing two implementation options. One would involve the creation of a dedicated portal through which students could access approved educational content at no cost, while the other would require network operators to exempt selected educational websites from data charges.
The regulator is also seeking recommendations on who should qualify for the service. Options being considered include limiting access to secondary and tertiary students, extending it to learners in public institutions only, or making it available to students and teachers across both public and private schools.
Another proposal would allow any Nigerian seeking educational or digital skills content to benefit from the programme.
The NCC said feedback received during the consultation will help determine the project’s funding model, eligibility requirements and long-term sustainability.
The consultation will run until July 9, after which the commission is expected to develop a framework for implementation.
The proposal follows growing concerns over the cost of internet access in Nigeria and its impact on digital learning, particularly among students in underserved communities. Earlier this year, NCC Chairman Idris Olorunnimbe described the initiative as a digital-era equivalent of free education, arguing that access to learning increasingly depends on affordable internet connectivity.