Nigeria’s Telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has partnered with key telecom stakeholders to expand digital education through a Zero-rated Access Education Platform and content, aiming to boost digital literacy across Nigeria. At a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Abuja, NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida (represented by Ayuba Shuaibu, Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis) said the initiative targets both tertiary and sub‑tertiary institutions by improving internet access and supplying devices and digital resources like ICT centres and e-libraries.
The NCC said Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) will fully fund the program, while tech firms, education regulators and other sector actors will collaborate to implement it. The industry committee on zero-rated access has produced a Consultation Paper after reviewing technical, regulatory, policy and commercial issues; the paper is now open for public comment.
Shuaibu stressed that broad stakeholder input such as content providers, implementers, teachers, students, families and communities are essential to shape a transparent, sustainable, and competition‑friendly framework. The committee will define eligible users, what counts as educational content and platforms, funding and sustainability models, and safeguards to protect net neutrality, fair competition, inclusivity and governance.
UNESCO’s Digital Transformation Specialist in Abuja, Dr. Yinka Oyerinde, endorsed the project, noting it complements existing national digital literacy efforts led by the Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy. ALTON Secretary General Clerus Katung pledged the association’s full support, framing the initiative as a national responsibility to develop human capital and produce digitally skilled graduates who will drive Nigeria’s socio‑economic growth.
