By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in partnership with the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has launched the Zero-Rated Data Access Initiative to provide free daily internet access to approved educational platforms across Nigeria starting October 1, 2026.
Under the Operator-Sponsored Model, eligible learners across the country will receive up to 100 megabytes (MB) of free daily data allocation dedicated to academic portals, online courses, and research materials.
Over time, this daily grant provides each student with approximately 700MB per week, 3GB monthly, and up to 36.5GB annually in educational data bandwidth.
Driving Human Capital and Economic Growth
Speaking on the launch, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized that providing free digital learning access forms a core pillar of national efforts to build digital skills and advance human capital development.
Maida stated that the initiative aligns directly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to develop a $1 trillion national economy, which relies heavily on education and skill-building.
“One hundred megabytes of data might sound little, but when you look at it over a month and over a year, cumulatively across millions of learners, it represents a significant industry investment in the future of Nigeria,” Maida said.
He added that bridging digital connectivity gaps will help reduce regional educational disparities by giving all students—regardless of location—direct access to top learning tools, teachers, and digital repositories.
Telcos Invest ₦200 Billion in Initial Educational Pilot
Detailing the industry’s financial commitment, ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo revealed that telecommunications operators, OEMs, and TowerCos have contributed nearly ₦200 billion in direct and in-kind resources for the initial pilot phase, which targets 5,000 learners.
This valuation covers free daily connectivity, device provisioning, network capacity allocation, and supporting digital infrastructure provided by private telecom stakeholders.
“This is a partnership in the truest sense,” Adebayo noted. “Government provides the policy framework, the regulator provides oversight, telecom operators supply connectivity, and OEMs and TowerCos contribute devices and equipment.”
Adebayo explained that telecom operators are directly absorbing network operational costs to eliminate financial barriers for students preparing for exams, learning digital skills, and participating in the growing tech economy.
Expanding Digital Inclusion for Learners
The Zero-Rated Data Access Initiative forms part of broader multi-sectoral efforts involving the NCC, ALTON, and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Stakeholders have called on private sector partners, hardware vendors, and digital content creators to expand support by increasing access to affordable learning devices, localized curriculum content, and digital literacy training.
