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ABUJA — Key stakeholders from government, the telecommunications industry, international development organisations and the private sector have thrown their weight behind the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) proposed framework to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content, describing the initiative as a major boost to digital inclusion and equitable access to quality education across Nigeria.
The broad endorsement came during the NCC’s inaugural public consultation forum on the proposed framework titled, “Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria,” held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Participants at the consultation said the initiative has the potential to transform access to digital education by eliminating data costs for students and learners while accelerating the country’s drive toward a more inclusive digital economy.
Representatives of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), uLesson Group and other critical stakeholders attended the forum.
During deliberations, participants stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on sustained collaboration among stakeholders, as well as increased investment in broadband infrastructure, network expansion and service quality by telecommunications operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
They noted that reliable, affordable and accessible internet connectivity remains indispensable to the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of zero-rated educational services.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the proposed framework followed extensive work by an Industry Committee established to examine the technical, regulatory, policy and commercial implications of the initiative.
Represented by the Commission’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida explained that the committee subsequently developed a consultation paper to facilitate public engagement and gather stakeholder input before finalising the framework.
He emphasised that meaningful participation from all relevant stakeholders was essential to developing a balanced framework capable of addressing industry realities while advancing Nigeria’s educational and digital development goals.
According to him, the Commission is seeking contributions from network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, teachers, students and the wider public to ensure the framework promotes transparency, fairness, regulatory effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Maida described the consultation as part of the NCC’s broader commitment to expanding educational opportunities through technology and deepening digital inclusion across the country.
He explained that the proposed initiative is designed to enable access to accredited educational platforms and learning resources at no data cost or through specially supported access arrangements, thereby removing digital and connectivity barriers that prevent many Nigerians from benefiting from online education.
“The initiative also forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to leverage technology in advancing national educational objectives and promoting inclusive digital participation,” he said.
The consultation provided stakeholders with an opportunity to examine the proposed implementation framework and make technical, legal, regulatory, commercial and operational recommendations to strengthen its effectiveness.
Discussions focused on implementation strategies, eligibility requirements for educational platforms, governance structures, consumer protection measures, operational guidelines and criteria for accrediting educational content eligible for zero-rated access.
The Commission said submissions received during the consultation would be incorporated into refining the framework and developing a practical implementation roadmap.
Maida expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly expand educational opportunities, improve digital literacy and support Nigeria’s socio-economic development by making technology-enabled learning more accessible to millions of students and learners nationwide.
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