FG Scraps Data Costs for Students, to Regulate Internet for Under-16s

The Federal Government has announced plans to remove data charges for students accessing approved educational platforms as part of efforts to expand digital learning and improve access to education across Nigeria.

The initiative, being advanced through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will allow students and other learners to access selected educational websites and digital learning resources without the usage counting against their data balances.

The policy, known as zero-rated access, is aimed at reducing the cost of digital education, particularly for students from low-income households and those in underserved communities.

The NCC has identified access to educational content as an important component of Nigeria’s digital inclusion agenda. Platforms and resources that meet the relevant requirements could be made available to users without data charges.

The initiative is expected to support students who increasingly rely on online textbooks, virtual classrooms, digital libraries and other internet-based learning resources.

NCC officials have described the move as an effort to make digital education more affordable and ensure that the cost of internet access does not become a barrier to learning.

The Federal Government is also pursuing measures to strengthen the protection of children and young people in the digital environment, including regulatory measures relating to online platforms.

The government has been working towards a coordinated framework for regulating internet platforms, online intermediaries and other digital services. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has directed relevant agencies to harmonise their approaches to digital regulation.

The broader regulatory discussions are expected to address online safety, data protection, digital platforms and the protection of vulnerable users.

The government’s approach comes as internet use among Nigerian children and young people continues to expand, increasing concerns about exposure to harmful content, online exploitation, privacy risks and other digital threats.

The Federal Government is expected to balance stronger safeguards with the need to preserve access to education, information and legitimate digital services.

The combination of zero-rated educational access and stronger online protections reflects the government’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to expand connectivity and digital skills while ensuring that technology is used safely and productively.

The NCC’s zero-rating initiative is expected to be formally advanced through engagement with telecommunications operators and providers of approved educational content.