NCC Proposes Free Internet Access for Educational Platforms

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) held a consultation on Tuesday at its annex office in Abuja to discuss a proposed framework aimed at enabling Nigerian students to access approved educational platforms and digital learning resources without incurring internet data costs. This initiative, known as the zero-rate access framework, seeks to address the high cost of internet connectivity, which has become a significant barrier to digital learning across the country.

The consultation brought together representatives from government agencies, mobile network operators, educational institutions, development partners, and civil society organizations to review the proposed framework. Ayuba Shuaibu, Director of Policy, Competition, and Economic Analysis at NCC, emphasized the need to remove affordability barriers to allow millions of Nigerian students to participate in digital education.

Zainab Abubakar Suleiman, Director of ICT at the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighted that high internet costs and unequal access to digital resources undermine educational delivery. The framework aims to ensure transparency and sustainability while protecting user rights and promoting fair competition.