NCC Rolls Out Free Daily Data for Learners

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has rolled out an initiative providing eligible learners with up to 100 megabytes of free data daily to access approved educational platforms.

The Zero Rated Data Access to Approved Educational Platforms and Content Initiative is designed to reduce the cost of digital learning and enable eligible learners to use approved platforms for studying, research, online courses and other academic activities.

According to the NCC, a learner who receives the full 100MB daily allowance would have access to about 700MB of educational data each week, roughly 3GB every month and up to 36.5GB annually.

The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to equip Nigerians with digital skills and knowledge while advancing human capital development.

Maida said increased connectivity could help reduce disparities in access to educational resources by allowing students in different parts of Nigeria to connect with teachers, learning materials and other knowledge resources regardless of their location.

ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, said telecommunications operators and other technology stakeholders had committed resources to the initiative, including connectivity, network capacity, devices and other support for the programme.

The NCC said the initiative is intended to support learners in accessing knowledge, preparing for examinations, conducting research, acquiring digital skills and participating in Nigeria’s emerging digital economy.