The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is seeking input from telecommunications operators, educators and other stakeholders as it develops a framework to enable affordable access to verified digital learning platforms and educational content across Nigeria.
The move is aimed at reducing the cost barrier that has limited students’ access to online learning resources, while creating a structured approach for collaboration between telecom providers, content developers and education institutions.
Speaking at a public consultation forum on Zero-Rated Access for Educational Platforms and Content in Abuja on Tuesday, Aminu Maida, executive vice-chairman of the NCC, said the success of the initiative would depend on the contributions of all stakeholders involved in the digital education ecosystem.
Maida, who was represented by Ayuba Shuaibu, director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the commission, said the framework must reflect the interests of content providers, educators, students, telecommunications operators, families and communities.
“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,” he said.
Zero-rating allows users to access selected online services without paying data charges, a model that the NCC believes could expand access to educational materials, especially for students affected by high internet costs and limited connectivity.
The consultation comes as stakeholders continue to identify expensive data services as one of the major obstacles slowing the adoption of digital learning in Nigeria.
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Zainab Suleiman, director of ICT at the Federal Ministry of Education, said high data costs, poor connectivity and unequal access to digital resources have continued to affect learning, research, skills development and inclusive education delivery.
Sulaiman said the initiative would support efforts to expand access to approved educational content for learners and teachers nationwide.
“The zero-rated access initiative is very important to the education sector because it addresses barriers that have continued to affect learning continuity and access to educational opportunities,” she said.
Also speaking, Yinka Oyerinde, digital transformation specialist at UNESCO, described the NCC’s initiative as a strategic intervention that could help bridge Nigeria’s digital literacy gap.
Oyerinde said the timing of the programme was appropriate, following years of investments in digital literacy initiatives by government agencies and other stakeholders.
He noted that programmes implemented by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Ministry of Education and other institutions had created a foundation for the initiative to deliver meaningful impact.
“Some may say it is a bit late or overdue, but I think it is strategically positioned to ensure maximum impact because the precursor factors required for success have already been put in place,” Oyerinde said.
Folasade Loyede, director of ICT at the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, also said reducing the cost of accessing educational content was critical to achieving digital inclusion.
Loyede, represented by Emmanuel Udoidiok, chief programme analyst, said digital learning would struggle to expand if internet access remained unaffordable.
“Zero-rating educational content is not just a policy target; it is a critical instrument for social and economic equity,” she said.
She added that the consultation would help determine eligibility criteria for educational platforms and content providers, while ensuring fair competition, consumer protection and sustainability for the telecommunications sector.
The NCC is expected to incorporate stakeholders’ feedback into the final framework as Nigeria moves to expand digital education access and improve connectivity-driven learning outcomes.
