The Federal Government has announced a daily 100 megabytes (MB) free data allocation for Nigerian students to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms, with the initiative set to commence on October 1, 2026.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria. He said the programme was designed to reduce the cost barrier preventing students from accessing online educational resources.

Under the arrangement, participating telecommunications operators will provide eligible students with 100MB of daily data at no cost for access to approved educational websites and digital learning platforms. The initiative is being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and mobile network operators.

Alausa said the first phase would target students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions, with plans to extend the scheme to other categories of learners as the programme develops.

The minister, while acknowledging the role of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria in the initiative, announced October 1 as the date the benefit would become available to students.

“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,” Alausa said.

The Federal Government said the zero-rated access programme is expected to strengthen digital learning and widen students’ access to educational content, particularly as internet-based resources become increasingly important to teaching and learning across the country.