Stakeholders from government, the telecommunications industry, development organisations and the private sector have expressed strong support for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) proposal to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content for students and learners across Nigeria.
The endorsement came during the Commission’s first public consultation on the proposed framework, titled “Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria,” held in Abuja.
Participants described the initiative as a major step towards expanding digital inclusion, improving internet connectivity and ensuring equitable access to quality education through technology.
The consultation brought together 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.
During the discussions, participants stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, telecommunications operators, internet service providers and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.
They also called for sustained investment in network expansion and digital infrastructure, noting that reliable and affordable internet connectivity remains critical to the long-term success of zero-rated educational services.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the industry committee established to develop the initiative had carefully examined its technical, policy, regulatory and commercial implications before producing a consultation paper for public input.
Represented by the Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida said broad stakeholder engagement is essential to developing a framework that reflects industry realities while advancing Nigeria’s educational goals.
He explained that the framework is expected to accommodate the views of network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, teachers, students and other beneficiaries.
According to him, collaboration will help ensure that the framework balances educational needs with regulatory effectiveness, transparency, fairness and long-term sustainability.
Maida said the initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader commitment to promoting digital inclusion by making accredited educational platforms and learning content accessible either at no data cost or through specially supported access arrangements.
He noted that the proposal is designed to reduce digital barriers to learning, expand access to educational resources and strengthen digital literacy among Nigerians.
The consultation also provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review the proposed implementation framework and offer technical, legal, regulatory, commercial and operational recommendations.
Discussions focused on eligibility criteria for educational platforms, governance mechanisms, consumer protection, implementation strategies and the standards for accrediting educational content that may qualify for zero-rated access.
The NCC said recommendations from the consultation will be used to refine the proposed framework and develop a practical roadmap for implementation.
According to the Commission, the initiative is expected to play a significant role in expanding access to education, improving digital literacy and supporting Nigeria’s broader socio-economic development through technology.
