By Miriam Humbe
Stakeholders drawn from government, industry, international development organisations and the private sector have expressed strong support for the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) initiative to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content for students and learners across Nigeria.
Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC’s Director, Public Affairs Department disclosed this in a statement signed on Wednesday.
The endorsement was made during the first public consultation forum on the proposed framework titled “Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria,” held by the Commission in Abuja on Tuesday.
Participants described the initiative as a significant step towards promoting not only connectivity, but also equitable access to education and digital inclusion across the country.
Stakeholders at the forum included representatives of 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, among others.
During the deliberations, participants emphasised the importance of stronger collaboration among stakeholders, as well as sustained investments in network expansion and infrastructure upgrades by telecommunications operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
They noted that reliable and affordable internet connectivity remains essential for the successful implementation and sustainability of zero-rated educational services.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed that the Industry Committee established to develop the initiative had carefully examined its technical, policy, regulatory and commercial dimensions.
He explained that the committee subsequently developed a consultation paper to facilitate stakeholder engagement and gather public input on the proposed framework.
Represented by the NCC’s Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida stressed that broad-based stakeholder participation was critical to developing a framework that reflects industry realities while advancing national educational objectives.
He stated that the framework must be informed by the perspectives of network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, students, teachers and the wider public who stand to benefit from improved access to digital learning opportunities.
According to him, collaboration is important in ensuring that the framework adequately balances educational needs with regulatory effectiveness, transparency, fairness and long-term sustainability.
Maida noted that the consultation forum forms part of the Commission’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to education through technology.
He explained that the engagement brought together stakeholders from the communications, education, technology and development sectors to deliberate on practical measures for facilitating access to accredited educational platforms and content at no data cost or through specially supported access arrangements.
The EVC added that the initiative is designed to reduce digital and connectivity barriers to learning while expanding access to educational resources, particularly for students and other learners 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,” Maida said.
The forum provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review the objectives of the Zero-Rated Access Initiative, examine the proposed implementation framework, and contribute technical, legal, regulatory, competition, commercial and operational perspectives necessary for its successful implementation.
Discussions focused on key issues such as implementation approaches, eligibility criteria for educational platforms and content, governance mechanisms, consumer protection safeguards, operational requirements, and principles for identifying accredited educational resources that may qualify for zero-rated access.
Stakeholders also offered recommendations aimed at strengthening the framework and ensuring its long-term viability.
The Commission noted that submissions and recommendations received from stakeholders during the consultation will play a vital role in refining the proposed framework and developing an effective roadmap for implementation.
According to Maida, the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to national efforts aimed at expanding educational opportunities, enhancing digital literacy and harnessing technology to drive socio-economic development across Nigeria.
