The Federal Government has introduced a zero-rated data policy for approved academic platforms, effectively removing data charges for learners on selected educational websites. The Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms initiative was launched on Thursday in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Under the framework, learners will receive free connectivity to approved academic sites, while government officials stressed that safeguards are needed to protect children from cyber threats and harmful online exposure.
Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa said the expansion of digital learning infrastructure must be accompanied by protections for minors. He disclosed that security agencies would publish guidelines for regulating internet access for children below 16 years in the coming days or weeks.
"It is our duty to protect every Nigerian child, more so underage children, from all sorts of cyberattacks and digital exposure," Alausa said.
The minister also cautioned that zero-rated access should not translate into unrestricted access to any platform that labels itself educational. He said content made available to children must be accessible, credible, safe and aligned with the national curriculum and educational objectives.
Ikechukwu Ugwuegede, a member of the NCC Board of Commissioners, described the policy as a democratisation of learning comparable to the digital e-book revolution. He said free connectivity to approved academic sites would give learners in both rural and urban communities equal access to knowledge.
Senator Mohammed Muntari, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, commended telecommunications operators for using corporate social responsibility efforts to support national education. He said programmes such as NELFUND and zero-rated access were working together under President Bola Tinubu's administration to expand opportunities for less-advantaged Nigerians.
Peter Akpatason, a member of the House Committee on Communication, pledged parliamentary oversight to ensure telecoms providers extend coverage to underserved communities, adding that access to information should not depend on the ability to pay for data.
