The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has secured broad stakeholder support for its proposal to eliminate data charges on accredited educational platforms, with industry players describing the initiative as a potential game changer for digital learning and educational inclusion in Nigeria.
According to a statement by the commission’s Director Public Affairs Department, Mrs Nnena Ukoha on Wednesday, the endorsement came at NCC’s maiden public consultation on the proposed Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria framework, held in Abuja.
The consultation attracted representatives from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, UNESCO, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), uLesson Group and other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the forum, the Executive Vice Chairman NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the proposed framework was designed to remove connectivity barriers that prevent millions of Nigerians from accessing quality digital education.
Represented by the Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida said the Commission was seeking broad input to ensure the framework is practical, inclusive and sustainable.
“The initiative is designed to reduce digital and connectivity barriers to learning while expanding access to educational resources, particularly for students and other learners across the country,” he said.
Maida noted that the framework followed extensive work by an industry committee which examined the technical, regulatory, policy and commercial implications of the proposal before presenting it for public scrutiny.
He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on contributions from all relevant stakeholders.
“The framework must be informed by the perspectives of network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, students, teachers and the wider public who stand to benefit from improved access to digital learning opportunities,” he said.
Stakeholders welcomed the initiative but urged the Commission to complement the policy with increased investments in broadband infrastructure and network expansion to guarantee reliable internet access across the country.
They also recommended strong governance mechanisms, clear eligibility criteria for educational platforms, consumer protection measures and effective implementation strategies to ensure the initiative delivers lasting benefits.
According to the NCC, recommendations from the consultation will be incorporated into the final framework and implementation roadmap.
Maida expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen digital literacy, widen access to quality education and support Nigeria’s broader socio-economic development agenda.
“The initiative also forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to leverage technology in advancing national educational objectives and promoting inclusive digital participation,” he added.
