Nigerian students will begin receiving 100 megabytes of free daily data on October 1, 2026, as the federal government makes digital learning more accessible throughout the country.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education, will make the data available to students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions through the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.
FG Sets October 1 Commencement Date
Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, confirmed the start date on Thursday, September 10, during the initiative’s launch in Abuja. 
“Let me reveal the secret. This will be available to Nigerian students beginning October 1st, 2026,” Alausa stated.
Participating mobile network operators will give students a daily zero-rated data limit of 100MB, which they can use to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms without incurring data charges.
Alausa stated that the government would first target senior secondary and post-secondary institution students before expanding the effort to other types of learners.
“Our ambition must be that, ultimately, no Nigerian learner should be denied access to quality educational content simply because he or she cannot afford data,” he said.
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Government Targets Digital Education Barriers
The minister said high internet data costs had become a major barrier to digital education, especially for children from low-income households.
He said free access to educational platforms could turn mobile phones, tablets and computers into classrooms and libraries for students who struggle to access digital resources.
Alausa also said the government planned to regulate internet access for children below 16 years, with further details expected later.
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NCC Lists Platforms For Free Access
The NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the Federal Ministry of Education and the commission would jointly approve the platforms that would receive zero-rated access.
These platforms will include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms, and technical and vocational training platforms.
Shuaibu said the initiative would cover public secondary schools and public tertiary institutions during the initial rollout.
Telecom Operators Support Initiative
NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, identified MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Globacom among the major operators supporting the programme.
NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the initiative would help remove affordability and location barriers that prevent millions of students from accessing digital learning.
The government said the programme would support its wider digitalisation efforts and promote affordable connectivity and access to educational content across Nigeria.
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