ERC Rejects FG 100MB Free Data Scheme, Demands Unlimited Internet for Students
The Federal Government is set to begin a free data initiative that will give eligible Nigerian students up to 100 megabytes (MB) daily to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
The Zero-Rated Data Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2026.
The scheme, launched by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), initially targets students in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions.
Under the programme, data used on approved educational platforms will not be deducted from students’ regular data balances, subject to the daily 100MB limit.
The NCC said the allowance amounts to about 700MB weekly, roughly 3GB monthly and up to 36.5GB annually for each beneficiary.
The initiative is being implemented under an operator-sponsored model involving telecommunications companies, with major operators supporting the rollout.
Eligible platforms include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher-development platforms, and technical and vocational training platforms.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the initiative was designed to reduce the cost of internet access and ensure that a learner’s financial circumstances do not prevent access to quality educational content.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, said the 100MB limit was adopted partly to ensure the sustainability of the programme while usage patterns are assessed.
The commission said industry estimates indicate that providing the service to about five million students could cost approximately ₦15 billion monthly, or ₦180 billion annually.
However, the Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has rejected the allocation, describing the 100MB daily package as inadequate.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Coordinator, Ogunjimi Isaac, and National Mobilisation Officer, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, the group called for unlimited internet access for students.
The ERC argued that 100MB would not adequately address the wider challenges facing students who depend on the internet for lectures, research, assignments and educational materials.
The organisation also called for increased investment in information and communications technology centres and other digital facilities in schools.
It said free data alone would not bridge Nigeria’s digital divide because many students still lack affordable smartphones, tablets and computers.
The ERC therefore urged the government to make digital devices available to students at heavily subsidised prices.
The group also criticised the cost and quality of telecommunications services in Nigeria, arguing that consumers continue to pay high charges despite what it described as poor service delivery.
The ERC further called for fundamental changes in the management of the telecommunications sector, arguing that public access and service delivery should receive greater priority.
The NCC, however, says the programme is designed to be reviewed periodically, with data on usage, platform performance, complaints and other indicators expected to guide future adjustments.
