100mb a day: FG, Telcos launch free data scheme for Nigerian students

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has begun zero-rated data access to approved educational platforms and content initiatives.

Peoples Gazette reports that the initiative, which started on October 1, gives eligible users up to 100 megabytes (MB) of free daily data. This was disclosed in a statement signed on Thursday by NCC spokesperson Nnenna Ukoha and ALTON chairman Gbenga Adebayo.

Ukoha said: “The programme is aimed at reducing the cost of digital learning and enabling learners to access educational resources, conduct research, take online courses and engage in other academic activities.”

NCC Executive Vice-Chairman Aminu Maida said: “One hundred megabytes of data might sound a little, but when you look at it over a month and over a year, and cumulatively over the millions of learners and students that are going to access it, it’s really a significant investment by the industry towards the future of this country.”

Adebayo said industry contributions for the initial pilot of 5,000 learners were valued at almost N200 billion.