Picnews
Stakeholders from government, telecommunications, education, technology, international development organisations and the private sector have thrown their weight behind the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) proposed framework to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning resources for students and learners across Nigeria.
The support was expressed during the Commission’s first public consultation forum on the proposed “Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria” framework, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Participants at the engagement described the initiative as a transformative step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital divide, promoting inclusive education and ensuring that more learners can access quality educational resources without the burden of internet data costs.
The consultation brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), uLesson Group and other relevant organisations.
During the forum, stakeholders stressed the need for stronger partnerships among government agencies, telecom operators, internet service providers, educational institutions and content developers to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.
They noted that sustainable access to digital learning platforms would require continuous investment in telecommunications infrastructure, improved network coverage and reliable connectivity, particularly in underserved communities.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, explained that the Commission had undertaken extensive technical, policy, regulatory and commercial assessments through an industry committee established to develop the initiative.
Represented by the NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida said the committee developed the consultation paper as part of efforts to obtain valuable input from stakeholders and create a practical framework that addresses industry realities.
He emphasised that broad stakeholder participation remained critical to developing a balanced framework that supports national educational goals while ensuring fairness, transparency and long-term sustainability.
According to him, the initiative requires the collective contributions of telecommunications operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, teachers, students and other beneficiaries.
Maida explained that collaboration among these groups would help establish a system that effectively balances educational access, regulatory requirements and commercial considerations.
He added that the consultation forum reflects the Commission’s commitment to advancing digital inclusion and using technology as a tool to improve access to education across Nigeria.
“The initiative is designed to facilitate access to accredited educational platforms and digital content at no data cost or through specially supported access arrangements, thereby reducing connectivity barriers and expanding learning opportunities,” he said.
The NCC boss noted that the proposed framework aligns with the Commission’s broader objective of leveraging telecommunications infrastructure to support national development, enhance digital literacy and promote wider participation in the digital economy.
The forum also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the objectives of the initiative, review the proposed implementation structure and provide recommendations on technical, legal, regulatory, operational and commercial considerations.
Key areas discussed included eligibility requirements for educational platforms and content providers, governance structures, consumer protection measures, implementation strategies and criteria for determining accredited learning resources eligible for zero-rated access.
Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of ensuring transparency, accountability and sustainability in the implementation process to maximise the benefits of the programme for Nigerian learners.
The NCC stated that the feedback, recommendations and observations gathered during the consultation would contribute significantly to refining the framework and developing a comprehensive implementation roadmap.
According to the Commission, the successful rollout of the initiative will support efforts to expand educational opportunities, improve digital skills acquisition and harness technology as a catalyst for social and economic advancement in Nigeria.
