Nigerian students will start receiving 100 megabytes of free daily data from October 1, 2026, according to the Federal Government, so they can access authorised educational websites and digital learning platforms.

Students in public senior secondary schools and postsecondary institutions will initially be covered by the program, which is being carried out by the Nigerian Communications Commission in collaboration with telecom companies and the Federal Ministry of Education.

The Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria was launched in Abuja on Thursday, and Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, announced the start date.

“Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026,” Alausa said, acknowledging the contribution of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria to the programme.

Beneficiaries of the framework will receive a daily 100MB zero-rated data allocation from participating mobile network operators, which they can use on authorised educational websites and platforms.

Speaking further, Alausa stated that the program would start with students in senior secondary schools and postsecondary institutions before being expanded to include other types of learners.

“Our ambition must be that, ultimately, no Nigerian learner should be denied access to quality educational content simply because he or she cannot afford data,” the minister said.

He pointed out that a significant obstacle to digital education, especially for kids from low-income families, is the cost of internet access.

For kids who might otherwise find it difficult to access digital materials, he believes that free access to educational platforms might turn PCs, tablets, and smartphones into classrooms and libraries.

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