FG to Give Nigerian Students 100MB Free Data Daily From October 1
The Federal Government has announced plans to provide eligible Nigerian students with 100MB of free internet data every day to access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms.
The initiative is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2026, as part of efforts to reduce the cost of internet access and improve digital learning opportunities for students across the country.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the commencement date on Thursday, September 10, during the official launch of the government’s initiative for zero-rated access to educational platforms and content in Nigeria in Abuja.
According to the minister, the programme is designed to ensure that the cost of internet data does not prevent Nigerian students from accessing educational resources online.
The first phase will focus on students in public senior secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, with the government planning to expand the programme to other learners as implementation progresses.
The initiative is expected to benefit millions of students by providing them with access to selected educational platforms without the usual data charges.
However, the 100MB allocation will not be a general-purpose data bundle that students can use for unrestricted internet browsing. The free access will apply to educational platforms and websites approved under the programme.
The Nigerian Communications Commission, working with the Federal Ministry of Education and participating telecommunications companies, is expected to oversee the implementation.
Approved platforms may include digital libraries, learning management systems, educational repositories, teacher-development platforms and technical and vocational learning resources.
The government says the programme is particularly important for students who face difficulties paying for regular internet data, as more educational materials and learning activities become available online.
The initiative will also encourage students to make greater use of smartphones, tablets and computers as tools for education rather than relying solely on traditional classroom resources.
Telecommunications operators participating in the programme are expected to support the zero-rating of approved educational platforms, allowing eligible students to access the designated content without their normal data balance being charged.
Further details, including the complete list of approved educational platforms and the process through which students will be identified and enrolled, are expected to be released by the relevant authorities before the October 1 commencement date.
Students have been advised to rely on official announcements from the Federal Ministry of Education, the NCC, their schools and participating network operators for information about the programme.
With the rollout scheduled for October 1, the Federal Government hopes the initiative will help reduce the digital divide and give more Nigerian students affordable access to online educational resources.
