FG Sets October 1 For 100MB Daily Free Data For Students

Nigerian students are expected to begin receiving 100 megabytes of free daily data from October 1, 2026, for access to approved educational websites and learning platforms.

Education Minister Tunji Alausa announced the date in Abuja on Thursday during the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.

The programme is being handled by the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecoms operators and the Federal Ministry of Education. Punch reported that it will start with public senior secondary school students and students in tertiary institutions before being extended to other learners.

Alausa said the plan is meant to stop data costs from cutting students off from digital learning. Daily Post reported him as saying that poverty, location and poor access to traditional classrooms should not stop children from using approved learning resources.

The initiative comes as poor internet access, high data costs, electricity problems and limited digital skills continue to make online learning difficult for many Nigerian students.

Sources: Punch and Daily Post