Stakeholders from government, the telecommunications industry, international development organisations and the private sector have backed the Nigerian Communications Commission’s proposal to provide students and other learners with zero-rated access to approved educational platforms and digital learning content.
The support was expressed during the Commission’s first public consultation on the proposed framework, titled “Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria,” held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The initiative seeks to reduce the cost of digital learning by allowing eligible educational platforms and accredited content to be accessed without data charges or through other supported access arrangements.
Participants described the proposal as an important step towards expanding equitable access to education, improving digital inclusion and reducing connectivity barriers faced by learners across the country.
Stakeholders at the forum included representatives of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Federal Ministry of Education; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF); and uLesson Group.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said an Industry Committee established to develop the initiative had examined its technical, policy, regulatory and commercial implications before producing a consultation paper for public input.
Maida, who was represented by the NCC’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said broad stakeholder participation was necessary to develop a framework that reflects industry realities while advancing Nigeria’s educational objectives.
He said contributions from network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, students, teachers and the wider public would help ensure that the framework balances educational access with transparency, fairness, regulatory effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
“The initiative also forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to leverage technology in advancing national educational objectives and promoting inclusive digital participation,” Maida said.
Stakeholders called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications operators and other industry participants to support the successful implementation of the initiative.
They also called for sustained investment by telecommunications operators and Internet Service Providers in network expansion and infrastructure upgrades, noting that reliable connectivity would be essential to the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of zero-rated educational services.
Discussions focused on implementation models, eligibility requirements for educational platforms and content, governance mechanisms, consumer protection safeguards, competition considerations, operational requirements and principles for identifying accredited educational resources that may qualify for zero-rated access.
Participants also submitted recommendations aimed at strengthening the proposed framework and ensuring its commercial and operational sustainability.
The NCC said feedback and recommendations received during the consultation would be used to refine the proposed framework and develop an effective roadmap for implementation.
The Commission said the initiative could expand access to digital learning resources, improve digital literacy and support more inclusive participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
