By Adeola Kunle
The Federal Government has taken a major step towards expanding digital learning opportunities in Nigeria with the launch of an initiative that will provide zero-rated access to approved educational platforms and content for learners in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, who launched the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, said the intervention was designed to ensure that the cost of internet data no longer prevents Nigerian learners from accessing quality educational resources.
Speaking at the launch, Alausa said the initiative represents an important component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda in education, particularly in addressing the barriers created by poverty, geographical location and limited connectivity.
According to the Minister, digital access must translate into tangible learning opportunities for Nigerian children and young people, especially those from low-income families and communities where conventional educational facilities remain inadequate.
He explained that with affordable connectivity, a mobile phone, tablet or computer could serve as a classroom, library and gateway to wider opportunities for learners who might otherwise be excluded from digital education.
Alausa said the initiative forms part of the Federal Government's broader education transformation programme under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which places data and digitalisation at the centre of education planning, administration and service delivery.
He noted that the Ministry is strengthening the education system through initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and Learner Identification Number.
The Minister, however, stressed that digital transformation should not be measured only by the deployment of technology and infrastructure, but by its ability to reach learners and improve the quality and effectiveness of education.
FG moves to strengthen online protection for children
Alausa also announced plans for regulated internet access for children below the age of 16, describing the measure as part of efforts to safeguard Nigerian children from risks associated with the digital environment.
He said the welfare, safety and dignity of every Nigerian child must remain central to the country's digital education strategy, particularly as children become increasingly exposed to online platforms.
According to him, President Tinubu's commitment to improving the wellbeing of Nigerian children requires government and relevant stakeholders to remain alert to emerging digital threats, including cyberattacks and other forms of online harm.
He disclosed that regulated internet access for children under 16 would be introduced at some point as part of measures aimed at creating a safer digital environment for young Nigerians.
Telecommunications sector critical to digital education
The Minister also underscored the growing importance of the telecommunications industry to education, noting that reliable connectivity is increasingly becoming as important to learning as classrooms, textbooks and laboratories.
He called for stronger and sustained collaboration among the Federal Ministry of Education, State Governments, the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecommunications operators, technology companies, development partners, educational institutions and teachers.
Alausa said such partnerships were necessary to make digital education not only accessible, but also safe, relevant and capable of producing meaningful learning outcomes.
He further challenged Nigeria to move beyond producing young people who only consume technology, urging stakeholders to develop a generation capable of creating technology, innovating, solving problems and competing successfully in the global economy.
Lawmakers commend initiative
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Hon. Peter Akpatason, commended the Nigerian Communications Commission for the initiative.
Akpatason identified the high cost of data as one of the major obstacles confronting education in the digital age, particularly for learners who live in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to supporting policies and legislative measures that deploy technology to reduce educational inequality and bridge the digital divide.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, emphasised the need to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to knowledge and educational opportunities.
Dandutse commended the telecommunications industry for its contributions to education, including corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting children and widening access to learning.
He stressed that access to knowledge remains fundamental to Nigeria's development and long-term progress.
FG promises sustained collaboration
Alausa assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to work with the Nigerian Communications Commission, State Governments, telecommunications companies, educational institutions, development partners and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the zero-rated access initiative delivers lasting benefits.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government's determination to advance the education component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda by removing barriers to learning, widening opportunities and using technology to transform education delivery.
The Minister said the ultimate objective was to build an education system in which a learner's geographical location would not determine his or her future, poverty would not prevent access to knowledge, and every Nigerian child would have a fair opportunity to develop and fulfil their potential.
Adeola Kunle
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