The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a new Zero-Rated Access framework for educational platforms, in a major move aimed at making digital learning more affordable, accessible and inclusive for students and learners across Nigeria.
The initiative, unveiled at a high-level launch programme on Thursday, is designed to reduce the financial barriers associated with internet access and enable more Nigerians, particularly students, to take advantage of digital educational resources.
The launch brought together key stakeholders in the education and telecommunications sectors, including the Federal Ministry of Education, NCC, telecommunications operators, lawmakers and other players in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Giving highlights of the framework, the Director of the NCC’s Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department, Ayuba Shuaibu, explained the key components and objectives of the Zero-Rated Access initiative.
The programme also featured a moving spoken-word poetry performance titled “The Right to Learn” by Wana Wana, which set the tone for discussions around the need for inclusive and accessible education in the digital age.
In her welcome remarks, the NCC’s Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the initiative represents an important step towards strengthening digital inclusion and expanding opportunities for learners across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji, in his keynote address, reaffirmed the commitment of the ministry to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the initiative achieves its intended purpose.
He stressed the importance of embracing digital education as part of efforts to expand learning opportunities and ensure that Nigerian students are not left behind in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Comrade Hon. Peter Akpatason, delivered a goodwill message in which he commended the NCC and other stakeholders for what he described as a laudable initiative.
The event further received virtual goodwill messages from chief executives of major telecommunications operators, including Karl Toriola of MTN Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh of Airtel Nigeria and Obafemi Banigbe of 9mobile, demonstrating industry support for the initiative.
The programme also featured the presentation of the current members of the NCC Board, underscoring the Commission’s leadership and institutional commitment to driving policies that promote digital inclusion and access to telecommunications services.
A major highlight of the event was a fireside chat featuring the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, and the Chairman of the NCC Board, Chief Idris Olorunnimbe. The session was moderated by Quasim Odunmbaku, Technical Adviser to the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management.
The Zero-Rated Access initiative comes against the backdrop of growing reliance on digital platforms for teaching, learning, research and skills development.
With the cost of internet access remaining a significant consideration for many learners, the initiative is expected to support wider access to approved educational platforms by reducing or eliminating data charges for eligible educational content and services under the framework.
Stakeholders at the launch described the initiative as a significant step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital divide and ensuring that access to education is not determined by a learner’s ability to afford internet data.
The initiative further aligns with broader national efforts to deepen digital inclusion, strengthen the education system through technology and equip Nigerian students with the tools required to compete in an increasingly digital global economy.
As the Zero-Rated Access framework takes effect, expectations are high that stronger collaboration between government, regulators, telecommunications operators, educational institutions and technology providers will translate the policy into tangible benefits for millions of Nigerian learners.
For the NCC, the initiative represents another major intervention in its broader drive to promote “Connecting Nigeria” and ensure that telecommunications infrastructure and services contribute meaningfully to national development.
