By George Ozalla
Photo Caption:
L-R: Dr. Yinka Ayorinde, UNESCO Representative, Abuja Office; Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Sulieman, Director, ICT, Federal Ministry of Education; Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Nigerian Communications Commission; Mr. Emmanuel Udo Udiok, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; and Mr. Enje Egede, Senior Manager, Instructional Design, uLesson Group, during the Stakeholders Consultation Forum on Zero Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content on July 14, 2026, in Abuja.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advanced its drive to deepen digital inclusion and expand access to quality education through technology as stakeholders from government, the telecommunications industry, international development organisations and the private sector endorsed the Commission’s proposed framework on Zero Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content.
The endorsement came during the Commission’s maiden Stakeholders Consultation Forum on the proposed framework, titled “Zero Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria,” held in Abuja, where participants described the initiative as a timely intervention capable of breaking financial and digital barriers that continue to limit access to online education for millions of Nigerians.
The forum attracted representatives of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), uLesson Group, telecommunications operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), development partners, educational institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Throughout the deliberations, participants unanimously agreed that affordable and reliable internet connectivity remains central to the success of digital education. They stressed that while the proposed zero rated access initiative would significantly reduce the burden of data costs on students and learners, its sustainability would depend on stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulators, network operators, Internet Service Providers, educational institutions, content providers and development partners.
Stakeholders further observed that sustained investment in broadband infrastructure, network expansion and improved service quality would be indispensable in ensuring that beneficiaries, particularly those in underserved and rural communities, enjoy uninterrupted access to accredited educational platforms.
Delivering the opening address, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed that the Commission had constituted an Industry Committee to thoroughly examine the technical, policy, regulatory and commercial implications of introducing zero rated educational services in Nigeria.
He explained that after extensive engagements, the committee produced a consultation paper intended to stimulate public discussion and obtain stakeholders’ contributions before the framework is finalised.
Represented by the Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department of the Commission, Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida stressed that stakeholder engagement was necessary to ensure that the framework reflects practical industry realities while supporting the country’s educational aspirations.
He noted that the Commission deliberately invited a broad spectrum of stakeholders because the success of the initiative would depend on the collective contributions of network operators, educational institutions, digital content providers, government agencies, teachers, students, development partners, civil society organisations and members of the public.
According to him, “Collaboration is important in ensuring that the framework adequately balances educational needs with regulatory effectiveness, transparency, fairness and long term sustainability.”
Maida further stated that the consultation forms part of the Commission’s broader commitment to promoting digital inclusion and leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes across Nigeria.
He explained that the initiative seeks to facilitate access to accredited educational platforms and digital learning resources either completely free of data charges or through specially supported access arrangements, thereby removing one of the biggest obstacles confronting many learners.
The NCC boss maintained that reducing connectivity costs would encourage wider participation in digital learning, particularly among students in low income households and communities where access to educational resources remains limited.
He further explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to deploy technology as a strategic tool for human capital development, improved digital literacy and inclusive socio economic growth.
The consultation also provided participants with the opportunity to critically examine the proposed implementation framework, governance mechanisms, operational procedures and consumer protection safeguards designed to ensure transparency and accountability.
Deliberations equally centred on eligibility requirements for educational platforms and digital content providers, accreditation standards, competition issues, commercial sustainability, operational responsibilities of service providers and mechanisms for monitoring compliance after implementation.
Stakeholders offered a wide range of technical, legal, regulatory and commercial recommendations aimed at strengthening the framework and ensuring that it remains effective, equitable and sustainable over the long term.
The Commission noted that all submissions received during the consultation would be carefully reviewed and incorporated where necessary in refining the proposed framework and developing a practical roadmap for implementation.
Maida expressed confidence that once operational, the initiative would significantly expand access to quality education, promote digital literacy, reduce educational inequalities and support national efforts to harness technology for sustainable socio economic development.
