The initiative was discussed on Tuesday in Abuja during a public consultation on the proposed Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content framework, bringing together regulators, telecom operators, education authorities, development partners and technology companies to consider the best approach for implementing the programme.
The proposed policy is aimed at reducing the digital divide in Nigeria by improving access to online learning resources and ensuring that the cost of internet connectivity does not prevent students and educators from benefiting from digital education opportunities.
The consultation followed the NCC’s earlier release of a policy document outlining plans to introduce zero-rated access, which would enable users to visit selected educational websites and digital learning platforms without paying for data.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the consultation represented a significant step towards developing a framework that would balance educational inclusion with sustainability, fair competition and effective regulation.
Maida, who was represented by the Commission’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said an industry committee established by the NCC had reviewed the technical, regulatory, policy and commercial aspects of the proposal before producing the consultation paper for stakeholders’ input.
He explained that the success of the initiative would depend on collaboration among telecom operators, education providers, students, teachers, development partners and other stakeholders who would either implement or benefit from the programme.
“The objective of this initiative is straightforward but deeply significant; and that is to reduce the affordability barrier that locks millions of Nigerian students out of the digital classroom,” Maida said.
According to him, the consultation examined critical issues such as the appropriate implementation model, eligibility requirements, approved educational platforms, sustainable funding options and safeguards to protect net neutrality, encourage fair competition and ensure proper governance.
“There are no predetermined outcomes. The Commission and the Industry Committee remain open to constructive, practical and evidence-based recommendations,” he added.
Maida further clarified that the initiative would not create financial obligations for the NCC or beneficiary institutions, as participating Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) would bear the cost of providing data access under the arrangement.
“The collaboration with the MNOs means it is not going to be at a cost to the Commission and it is not going to be at a cost to the beneficiary institutions,” he said.
He added that the programme would cover both tertiary and secondary education levels, expanding opportunities for learners across different stages of the education system.
The Federal Ministry of Education also backed the proposal, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to make education more inclusive, accessible and technology-driven.
The ministry’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Abubakar Zainab Suleiman, said the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which focuses on improving learning outcomes through technology, evidence-based planning and stronger coordination among education stakeholders.
Suleiman noted that expensive internet services, inadequate connectivity and unequal access to digital learning materials remain major obstacles affecting learning, research and skills development in the country.
She stressed that the programme should go beyond providing internet access by ensuring that available content is educationally relevant, properly quality-assured and aligned with national priorities.
“It is important that access is not treated as only a connectivity issue. It must also be guided by educational relevance, quality assurance, learner protection, child online safety, data privacy, sustainability and alignment with the national education platform,” she said.
She recommended a phased rollout beginning with a pilot programme to assess cost implications, user behaviour, technical requirements and long-term sustainability before expanding the initiative nationwide.
Also speaking, the Digital Transformation Specialist at UNESCO’s Abuja Office, Dr Yinka Oyerinde, described the consultation as timely, noting that demand for online learning resources increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oyerinde recalled that UNESCO introduced a Zero-Rated Access Toolkit in 2020 to guide governments, regulators and telecom operators implementing similar programmes, adding that affordability remains a major challenge limiting digital education access in developing countries.
While supporting the proposal, he warned that zero-rating should be considered a short-term intervention rather than a permanent replacement for broader digital infrastructure development.
“Zero rating is not the final solution but a powerful immediate tool. It is a bridge towards ensuring that every learner has access to quality educational opportunities,” he said.
He advised Nigeria to develop a clear transition strategy from the beginning, noting that sustainability often becomes a challenge when subsidy arrangements expire.
Oyerinde also recommended creating a nationally recognised list of approved educational platforms, increasing public awareness and strengthening cooperation among regulators, telecom operators, education technology companies and development organisations.
Meanwhile, Meta expressed readiness to support the initiative through its existing Free Basics platform, which provides access to selected online services without data charges.
The company’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, Sade Dada, said Meta has collaborated with Nigerian telecom operators since 2016 to expand affordable internet access and promote digital inclusion.
She explained that the Free Basics platform allows approved organisations, educational institutions and developers to provide selected digital content to users without data costs, subject to meeting technical requirements.
“If classrooms are free to enter, the digital classroom shouldn’t become inaccessible because someone runs out of data,” Dada said.
She added that Meta would continue working with the NCC and other stakeholders to support the programme once the final framework is approved.
The NCC’s proposal includes two possible implementation models. The first involves developing a centralised portal containing approved educational resources, while the second would allow telecom operators to whitelist selected educational websites and platforms for free access.
The Commission is also considering an initial 12-month pilot phase, with funding options expected to include industry cost-sharing arrangements, government support, the Universal Service Provision Fund, development partners and public-private partnerships before a possible nationwide expansion.
The initiative is expected to play a major role in improving digital learning access in Nigeria, particularly for students and teachers affected by high internet costs and limited connectivity.