The programme is being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and telecommunications operators.

Under the arrangement, the daily 100MB allowance will be zero-rated, meaning students will not be charged for data used on approved educational websites and platforms.

The first phase of the programme will cover students in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions.

The Federal Government said the initiative is expected to initially reach about five million students, with plans to extend it to other categories of learners as the programme develops.

However, the free 100MB will not be a general-purpose data bundle that students can use for social media, streaming or any website of their choice.

It will be restricted to government-approved educational platforms and content.

According to the NCC, the platforms eligible for zero-rated access may include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms and technical and vocational training platforms.

The initiative is aimed at tackling the cost of internet data, which the government identifies as one of the barriers preventing many Nigerian students from taking advantage of digital learning.

Alausa said poverty, location and limited access to conventional educational infrastructure should not determine whether a Nigerian learner can access quality educational opportunities.

The minister explained that smartphones, tablets and computers could effectively serve as classrooms and libraries when the cost of accessing educational content is removed.

The announcement follows months of work by the NCC and other stakeholders on a framework for providing students with free access to selected educational resources. In July, the commission had begun consultations with telecom operators, education regulators, schools and other stakeholders on the proposed zero-rated education service.

Participating mobile network operators will provide the 100MB daily allowance for access to websites and digital platforms that have been approved under the programme.

The NCC and Federal Ministry of Education will jointly determine which educational platforms are included.

The framework also includes safeguards relating to cybersecurity, consumer protection, child protection, data protection, fair competition and net neutrality.

The Federal Government has also disclosed plans to introduce measures concerning internet access for children below 16, although details of that policy are yet to be fully announced.

The initiative is expected to cost about N180 billion annually, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.

NAN reported that the arrangement is based on a sponsored-data model in which the government and participating operators provide the educational access for eligible learners.

The Federal Government says the broader goal is to ensure that a student’s inability to afford regular internet data does not prevent them from accessing digital educational materials.

With the first phase scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026, Nigerian students in public secondary and tertiary institutions will be able to access selected online learning resources without paying data charges for those platforms.