NCC initiates plans to provide nationwide access to online learning sites without data charges

The Nigerian Communications Commission has initiated a process to provide free access to approved digital educational platforms across the country, aiming to eliminate data costs that hinder millions of Nigerians from accessing digital learning.

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This move is part of the Commission's efforts to address the issue, and on Tuesday, it held a public consultation in Abuja to discuss its proposed framework for zero-rated access to educational platforms, bringing together various stakeholders.

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Representing the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, and the Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Mr Ayuba Shuaibu, emphasized that the initiative seeks to reduce the affordability barrier that prevents many students from participating in digital education.

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According to Shuaibu, the objective of this initiative is to reduce the affordability barrier that locks millions of Nigerian students out of the digital classroom, and the Commission is seeking stakeholders' views on various aspects to ensure the framework's transparency and viability.

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The Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Mr Ayuba Shuaibu, stated that the Commission is seeking stakeholders' views on eligibility criteria, funding, sustainability, governance, competition, and safeguards needed for the framework.

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Director of Information and Communications Technology at the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mrs Folahade Lojede, highlighted the importance of affordable internet access in achieving the country's digital transformation goals, stating that digital learning cannot succeed if data costs remain a barrier.

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Lojede emphasized that zero-rating educational content is essential for social and economic equity, and the consultation aims to develop a framework that supports innovation, protects consumers, strengthens cybersecurity, and ensures a sustainable telecommunications sector.

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Director of Information and Communications Technology at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Zainab Suleiman Abubakar, noted that the initiative aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which aims to improve learning outcomes through technology.

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Abubakar recommended that the framework should consider various aspects, including educational quality, child online safety, data privacy, inclusion, and support for persons with disabilities and learners in underserved communities, and suggested a phased pilot before nationwide implementation.

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Digital Transformation Specialist at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Abuja, Dr Yinka Oyerinde, described the initiative as timely, stating that previous investments in digital literacy and educational technology have created the right conditions for its success.

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Dr Yinka Oyerinde added that zero-rated educational platforms would reduce the burden of data costs on learners and emphasized the importance of digital literacy in ensuring the initiative is used for learning and not abused.