NCC Launches Zero-Rated Data Initiative for Educational Platforms

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC),  in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) , has launched its Zero Rated Data Access to Approved Educational Platforms and Content Initiative, providing eligible learners with free daily data to access designated educational resources.

Under the Operator-Sponsored Model, eligible users will receive up to 100MB of free data each day for approved educational platforms. At the maximum allocation, a learner could receive about 700MB of educational data per week, roughly 3GB per month and up to 36.5GB annually.

The initiative is designed to reduce the cost of digital learning and enable eligible learners to access approved platforms for studying, research, online courses and other academic activities.

NCC Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to expand access to digital skills, knowledge and learning opportunities as part of Nigeria’s human capital development agenda.

Maida said the programme supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy by strengthening investment in education and skills development. He noted that the impact of the initiative would extend beyond the daily data allocation when considered over longer periods and across the large number of learners expected to benefit.

According to Maida, increased connectivity can help reduce disparities in access to educational resources by enabling students in different parts of Nigeria to connect with teachers, learning materials and knowledge resources regardless of their location.

He described the initiative as an investment in both Nigeria’s future and the telecommunications sector, noting that improved access to digital education could contribute to a more productive workforce and support innovation, economic growth and national development.

ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, said the telecommunications and wider technology industry had committed financial and in-kind resources valued at almost ₦200 billion to the initial pilot involving 5,000 learners.

The commitment includes the daily 100MB connectivity allocation, network resources, devices, terminals and other support provided by industry stakeholders. Adebayo said telecommunications operators are absorbing the costs of the connectivity and network capacity required to provide learners with daily access to the approved educational platforms.

The initiative has also attracted participation from telecommunications operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), TowerCos and other technology stakeholders, reflecting a broader industry effort to support digital education and inclusion.

Adebayo said the significance of the programme extends beyond the data allocation, as the initiative is expected to help learners access educational resources, prepare for examinations, conduct research, acquire digital skills and participate in the emerging digital economy.

He noted that the programme brings together government, the regulator, telecommunications operators and technology partners, with each stakeholder contributing policy support, coordination, connectivity, network resources, devices, terminals and other infrastructure.

Adebayo also called for broader stakeholder participation, noting that the success of digital education requires reliable connectivity alongside access to devices, relevant content, digital literacy, infrastructure and sustained investment.

ALTON and its members are expected to continue working with the Federal Government, NCC, Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to support the implementation of the initiative and ensure that the investment delivers measurable and sustainable educational outcomes.