Abuja:The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) have launched a new initiative to provide free daily data to access approved educational platforms. The Zero Rated Data Access to Approved Educational Platforms and Content Initiative began on October 1, offering eligible users up to 100 megabytes (MB) of free data daily.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this initiative aims to reduce digital learning costs and enable learners to access educational resources, conduct research, and engage in academic activities. Under this programme, users can access approximately 700MB of educational content weekly, 3GB monthly, and up to 36.5GB annually.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, highlighted that this effort is part of a broader government strategy to enhance digital skills among Nigerians and foster human capital development. He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy through investment in education and skills acquisition.
Dr. Maida emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting that while 100MB may seem small, its impact is substantial when aggregated over time and across millions of learners. This increased connectivity aims to bridge educational resource disparities across Nigeria by linking students to teachers and learning materials, regardless of location.
The programme is seen as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, potentially creating a productive workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth. Dr. Maida explained that enhancing learner productivity would lead to more growth opportunities in the telecommunications sector.
ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, expressed the telecommunications industry’s strong commitment to the initiative, noting contributions valued at nearly N200 billion for the initial pilot involving 5,000 learners. This includes the daily data allocation and support from industry stakeholders, such as network resources and devices.
Adebayo highlighted that the programme’s value lies in its potential to empower learners with digital skills and enable participation in the digital economy. ALTON and its members are committed to collaborating with the federal government, NCC, and other stakeholders to ensure the initiative yields significant educational outcomes.