FG rolls out free 100MB data for students starting October 1

The Federal Government says Nigerian students will begin receiving 100 megabytes of free daily data from October 1, 2026, to access approved educational platforms, according to Punch Newspapers.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the date in Abuja at the launch of the Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms initiative, implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission with telecom operators. The scheme will initially cover public senior secondary school and tertiary institution students before expanding to other learners.

NCC officials said MTN, Airtel and Globacom are supporting the programme, which requires compliance with cybersecurity, data protection and child protection regulations. Alausa also reiterated plans to regulate internet access for children under 16.