Stakeholders Endorse NCC’s Zero-Rated Educational Access Initiative

By Mu'azu Hassan 

 Key stakeholders from government, the telecommunications industry, international development organisations, and the private sector have thrown their weight behind the Nigerian Communications Commission's (NCC) proposed framework to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content across Nigeria.

The endorsement was made on Tuesday 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.

Participants described the initiative as a landmark intervention that would not only improve internet connectivity but also promote equitable access to education, digital inclusion, and learning opportunities for millions of Nigerian students.

Representatives from 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), and uLesson Group were among those who attended the consultation.

During discussions, stakeholders stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, telecom operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), educational institutions, and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative. They also called for sustained investments in network expansion and digital infrastructure to guarantee reliable and affordable internet access nationwide.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the proposed framework was developed after an Industry Committee thoroughly examined its technical, policy, regulatory, and commercial implications.

Represented by the Commission’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida explained that the consultation paper was designed to gather public input and ensure the framework reflects industry realities while supporting Nigeria’s educational goals.

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He noted that broad stakeholder participation was essential to producing a balanced framework that meets educational needs while ensuring regulatory effectiveness, transparency, fairness, and long-term sustainability.

According to him, the framework must incorporate the views of network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, teachers, students, and the wider public who stand to benefit from improved access to digital learning.

Maida said the initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader commitment to promoting digital inclusion by enabling learners to access accredited educational platforms and content either free of data charges or through specially supported access arrangements.

He explained that the initiative is expected to reduce digital and connectivity barriers to learning, expand educational opportunities, and improve access to quality digital resources, particularly for students across the country.

"The initiative also forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to leverage technology in advancing national educational objectives and promoting inclusive digital participation," he said.

The consultation provided stakeholders with the opportunity to review the objectives of the initiative, assess the proposed implementation framework, and offer technical, legal, regulatory, commercial, and operational recommendations.

Discussions focused on implementation strategies, eligibility criteria for educational platforms, governance structures, consumer protection measures, operational requirements, and standards for accrediting educational content eligible for zero-rated access.

The NCC said submissions and recommendations from stakeholders would be incorporated into the final framework and implementation roadmap.

According to the Commission, the initiative is expected to significantly expand access to education, enhance digital literacy, and support Nigeria’s socio-economic development through the effective use of technology.