The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced that the Federal Government’s FG free data for students initiative will remove internet costs on approved educational platforms, in a decisive move to expand digital learning access across Nigeria.

Dr Tunji Alausa said the policy, unveiled during the launch of the Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content initiative, is designed to ensure that the cost of data no longer determines who can access quality education.

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The programme forms part of the broader Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“This initiative goes beyond connectivity. It is about putting learning within reach of children who may otherwise be unable to afford the data required to access it,” Dr Tunji Alausa said.

The intervention is expected to benefit millions of learners, particularly in underserved and rural communities where digital access has remained limited by cost, infrastructure and electricity challenges.

Officials noted that devices such as mobile phones, tablets and computers could now serve as powerful gateways to education without the burden of high data expenses.

The announcement builds on earlier efforts, including the Nigeria Learning Passport developed in partnership with UNICEF, which previously provided zero-rated access through selected telecom networks.

Despite those steps, Nigeria continues to face a significant education gap, with millions of children still out of school and digital literacy unevenly distributed.

Alongside the access expansion, Dr Tunji Alausa confirmed that the government is preparing to introduce regulated internet access for children under the age of 16.

The measure is intended to strengthen online safety as more young people engage with digital platforms.

“At some point, there would be regulated internet access for every child below the age of 16 years as part of measures to strengthen online child protection,” Dr Tunji Alausa said, pointing to rising concerns over cyber threats and harmful online content.

Industry stakeholders have broadly welcomed the FG free data for students policy, describing high data costs as a longstanding barrier to digital inclusion.

Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, described the initiative as a critical step towards bridging Nigeria’s education divide, while lawmakers reiterated support for policies that leverage technology to reach disadvantaged learners.

However, questions remain about implementation, particularly around infrastructure gaps and how internet regulation for minors will be enforced without limiting access to beneficial content.

Education experts have stressed that connectivity must be matched with investment in digital skills, teacher training and reliable power supply.

The Federal Government has also highlighted complementary systems such as the Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number, aimed at improving data-driven decision-making in the sector.

For many families, the policy signals a hopeful shift.

By lowering financial barriers and promoting inclusive access, officials believe Nigeria can nurture a generation capable not only of consuming technology but of creating it.

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The coming months will test how effectively the initiative translates from policy to practice, but the ambition is clear: to deliver a more equitable and resilient education system powered by digital opportunity.