Stakeholders from government, the telecommunications industry, international development organisations and the private sector have endorsed the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) proposed framework to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content for students and learners across Nigeria.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, the endorsement was made during the Commission’s first public consultation forum on the proposed framework titled “Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria,” held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The stakeholders described the initiative as a major step towards expanding digital inclusion, improving connectivity and ensuring equitable access to education across the country.
Participants at the forum included representatives of 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 key stakeholders.
The participants stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and sustained investments in network expansion and infrastructure upgrades by telecommunications operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), noting that reliable and affordable internet connectivity would be critical to the successful implementation and sustainability of the initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Industry Committee established to develop the initiative had thoroughly examined its technical, policy, regulatory and commercial dimensions before producing a consultation paper to guide stakeholder engagement and public input.
Represented by the NCC’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida said broad stakeholder participation was essential to developing a framework that reflects industry realities while advancing Nigeria’s educational objectives.
He noted that the framework should incorporate the perspectives of network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, teachers, students and the wider public to ensure it effectively balances educational needs with regulatory efficiency, transparency, fairness and long-term sustainability.
Maida explained that the consultation forms part of the Commission’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to education through technology. He added that the engagement provided a platform for stakeholders from the communications, education, technology and development sectors to deliberate on practical measures for providing accredited educational platforms and content at no data cost or through specially supported access arrangements.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at reducing digital and connectivity barriers to learning while expanding access to quality educational resources for students and other learners across Nigeria.
“The initiative also forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to leverage technology in advancing national educational objectives and promoting inclusive digital participation,” Maida said.
The consultation also enabled stakeholders to review the objectives of the Zero-Rated Access Initiative, examine the proposed implementation framework and provide technical, legal, regulatory, commercial and operational inputs required for its successful implementation.
Discussions centred on implementation strategies, eligibility criteria for educational platforms and content, governance mechanisms, consumer protection safeguards, operational requirements and principles for identifying accredited educational resources eligible for zero-rated access. Participants also made recommendations aimed at strengthening the framework and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
The NCC stated that submissions and recommendations received during the consultation would guide the refinement of the proposed framework and the development of a practical roadmap for implementation.
Maida expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly support national efforts to expand educational opportunities, improve digital literacy and harness technology to drive socio-economic development across Nigeria.
