Nigeria launches free data access for digital learning
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) began a program giving students free data access to educational platforms across Nigeria.
The initiative aims to increase access to learning resources and reduce educational inequalities as part of a broader plan to grow the country’s digital economy. Under the program’s Operator-Sponsored Model, eligible learners will receive 100 megabytes of free data each day. This daily allowance translates to roughly 3GB of data per month and up to 36.5GB per year for each student.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida explained the program supports President Bola Tinubu’s goal of building a $1 trillion economy by investing in human capital. The NCC estimates that 100MB of data can provide between two and five hours of study time daily, depending on the type of learning activity. Industry stakeholders estimate that providing data to five million students will cost ₦15 billion monthly, or ₦180 billion annually.
The commission believes increased connectivity will also help equalize access to educational resources throughout Nigeria.
