Nigeria to provide free daily data for students starting October 2026

The Nigerian Federal Government has announced the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content, a program set to begin on October 1, 2026. Under this scheme, approximately five million students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions will receive 100MB of free mobile data daily to access approved educational websites and digital learning materials.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa stated that the initiative, part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring that the cost of internet connectivity does not prevent students from accessing quality education. The program is being developed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with telecommunications operators and the Federal Ministry of Education. The annual data value of the program is estimated at approximately N180 billion.

In addition to the data provision, the government plans to introduce regulations for internet access for children under the age of 16. Dr. Alausa noted that these measures are intended to strengthen online child protection and ensure that digital content is appropriate, safe, and aligned with the national curriculum. The government is also utilizing tools like the Learner Identification Number (LIN) and the Nigeria Education Management Information System to track educational progress and modernize the sector.