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.
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
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