Nigeria to provide free daily data for five million students

The Nigerian Federal Government has launched the ‘Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content’ to provide free internet access to students. Starting October 1, 2026, approximately five million students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions will receive 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.

Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa stated that the initiative, valued at an estimated N180 billion annually, aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure that poverty or geography does not prevent access to quality education. The program is a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and telecommunications operators.

In addition to the data scheme, the government announced plans to implement regulated internet access for children under the age of 16 to enhance online child protection and ensure digital content is safe and appropriate. Furthermore, the government has confirmed that all Federal Unity Colleges will reopen for the new academic session on September 14, 2026, with security agencies providing heightened surveillance to ensure a safe environment for students and staff.