L-R: UNESCO Representative, Abuja Office, Dr. Yinka Ayorinde; Director of ICT, Federal Ministry of Education, Hajiya Zainab Abubakar Suleiman; Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu; representative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr. Emmanuel Udo Udiok; and Senior Manager, Instructional Design, uLesson Group, Mr. Enje Egede, during the stakeholders’ consultation forum on Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content, held in Abuja on July 14, 2026.
By Peace Udugba.
Stakeholders from government, the telecommunications industry, international development organisations and the private sector have endorsed the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) proposed framework to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content for students and other learners across Nigeria.
The endorsement came during the Commission’s first public consultation forum on the proposed “Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria” held in Abuja.
Participants described the initiative as a major step towards expanding digital inclusion, improving internet connectivity and ensuring equitable access to quality education across the country.
The consultation attracted representatives from 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 and other key stakeholders.
During the discussions, participants stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, telecommunications operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), while calling for sustained investment in network expansion and digital infrastructure to guarantee reliable and affordable internet access.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Industry Committee established for the initiative had examined its technical, policy, regulatory and commercial implications before developing a consultation paper to seek stakeholders’ input.
Represented by the Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the NCC, Mr. Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida said broad stakeholder participation was essential to developing a framework that reflects industry realities while supporting Nigeria’s educational objectives.
He noted that the framework should accommodate the views of network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, teachers, students and the general public.
According to him, collaboration will ensure the framework balances educational needs with regulatory effectiveness, transparency, fairness and long-term sustainability.
Maida explained that the initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader commitment to promoting digital inclusion by enabling students to access accredited educational platforms and content either free of data charges or through specially supported access arrangements.
He added that the programme is designed to remove digital and connectivity barriers to learning, particularly for students in underserved communities.
“The initiative also forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to leverage technology in advancing national educational objectives and promoting inclusive digital participation,” he said.
The consultation provided stakeholders with the opportunity to review the objectives of the initiative, examine its proposed implementation framework and make recommendations on technical, legal, regulatory, commercial and operational issues.
Discussions focused on implementation strategies, eligibility criteria for educational platforms, governance mechanisms, consumer protection measures and standards for accrediting educational content that could qualify for zero-rated access.
The NCC said contributions received during the consultation would be used to refine the framework and develop a practical roadmap for implementation.
According to the Commission, the initiative is expected to enhance digital literacy, expand educational opportunities and support Nigeria’s socio-economic development through increased access to digital learning resources.
