FG Plans Internet Regulation for Children Under 16

On Thursday, the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Minister of Education Dr. Olatunji Alausa, announced plans to regulate internet access for children below the age of 16 to enhance online child protection. This announcement was made during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.

The initiative aims to eliminate data costs for approved educational platforms, benefiting millions of learners in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Alausa emphasized that this digital education intervention is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to ensure that factors like poverty and geography do not hinder access to quality education.

He stated that regulated internet access for children under 16 is crucial for their protection against digital threats. The initiative is part of the broader Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which focuses on improving education through data and digitalization.