The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a public consultation process on a proposed framework to provide free data access for students across the country.
The initiative follows a directive by President Bola Tinubu aimed at removing affordability barriers to internet access and expanding digital literacy among Nigerian learners. The consultation, which opened on June 19, will run until July 9.
According to the NCC, millions of students in Nigeria remain digitally excluded due to the high cost of internet access. To address the challenge, a Joint NCC-Industry Committee has been established to develop a sustainable framework that will provide uninterrupted connectivity to learning institutions and enable students to access formal education and digital skills resources at no cost.
The Commission is considering two implementation models: the creation of a single, mobile-friendly portal that links approved educational resources, and a system requiring telecommunications operators to whitelist curriculum-approved educational websites for free access.
To ensure the initiative is not abused, the committee is reviewing eligibility criteria. The proposals include limiting the programme to public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions or extending free educational data access to all primary and secondary schools nationwide.
The proposed framework would provide free access only to approved educational platforms and resources, including those of the Federal Ministry of Education, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Social media platforms, entertainment websites and other non-educational services will not be covered under the initiative.
The proposal also outlines a 12-month pilot phase during which eligible students will receive free daily data allowances. Funding for the trial is expected to come from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), government subsidies and development partners, including UNICEF.
After the initial trial period, the programme is expected to transition to a subsidised educational data model that will offer low-cost internet bundles specifically designed for learning purposes.
The NCC said it will conduct bi-annual reviews to assess the programme’s impact on telecommunications infrastructure, monitor usage trends and evaluate its contribution to students’ academic performance.
The Commission has invited stakeholders, educators and members of the public to submit evidence-based contributions to ensure the framework promotes fair market competition while safeguarding the principles of net neutrality.
Interested stakeholders are required to submit their comments in PDF format to “zeroratedconsultation@ncc.gov.ng” on or before July 9.
Source: The Guardian
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