The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has launched the 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 per week, roughly 3GB per month and up to 36.5GB annually.
The initiative is designed to reduce the cost of digital learning and support access to educational platforms for studying, research, online courses and other academic activities. NCC Executive Vice Chairman and CEO, Dr Aminu Maida, said the programme forms part of broader efforts to expand access to digital skills, knowledge and learning opportunities.
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 daily connectivity allocations, network resources, devices, terminals and other support from participating industry stakeholders. Telecommunications operators are absorbing the costs of connectivity and network capacity required to provide learners with access to approved educational platforms.
The initiative has attracted participation from telecommunications operators, original equipment manufacturers, TowerCos and other technology stakeholders. The programme is intended to support educational access, digital skills development and participation in the digital economy.
ALTON and its members are expected to continue working with the Federal Government, NCC, Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to support implementation and assess the programme’s educational outcomes.
