The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has dismissed the Federal Government’s proposed 100-megabyte daily data package for students in public secondary schools and tertiary institutions, insisting that the initiative falls far short of what is needed to support meaningful digital learning.

In a statement issued by its Deputy National Coordinator, Ogunjimi Isaac, and National Mobilisation Officer, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, the group described the planned data allocation as inadequate and unlikely to achieve the government’s objective of expanding students’ access to online educational resources.

According to the campaign, students who rely on the internet for research, virtual learning, academic materials and other educational activities require far more than 100MB daily, especially at a time when digital learning is becoming increasingly central to education worldwide.

The group argued that the proposal would offer little relief to students struggling with the rising cost of internet access and other economic pressures.

ERC maintained that if the government is serious about promoting digital education, it should introduce unlimited internet access for students in public institutions rather than what it called a symbolic intervention.

The campaign said unrestricted internet access would help ensure that students are not prevented from accessing learning materials because of the growing cost of data subscriptions.

Beyond free internet access, the group called for substantial investment in information and communication technology infrastructure across schools, including the establishment and upgrading of ICT centres and digital learning facilities.

It stressed that internet access alone would not solve the challenges facing students unless schools are equipped with the technology and facilities needed to support modern learning.

The organisation also urged authorities to make internet-enabled devices more accessible by providing laptops, tablets and other digital tools to students at heavily subsidised rates.

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According to ERC, soaring inflation and the increasing cost of living have made it difficult for many students and their families to purchase devices required for online learning.

The group further turned its attention to the telecommunications sector, criticising what it described as the high cost of data and communication services despite persistent complaints about service quality.

ERC accused telecommunications operators of charging excessive fees while many subscribers continue to experience poor network performance and unreliable internet services.

It also questioned the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), claiming the regulator has not done enough to address concerns over service quality and rising costs within the industry.

The campaign argued that many students and workers across the country are paying more for internet access while receiving services that frequently fail to meet expectations.

As part of its broader recommendations, ERC called for increased government funding for education and greater involvement of students, parents and education workers in decisions affecting schools and the education sector.

The group also renewed its call for the telecommunications industry to be placed under public ownership and managed in a way that prioritises affordable and efficient service delivery over profit-making.