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NCC consults stakeholders on free educational internet access

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is consulting stakeholders on a framework to provide free internet access to educational platforms for Nigerian students.
  • This initiative aims to remove the high cost of data as a barrier to digital learning across the country.
  • The proposed framework would allow students to access approved educational resources without paying for internet data, subject to certain conditions.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated consultations with various stakeholders to develop a framework that would grant Nigerian students free internet access to educational platforms and digital learning resources. This move is intended to address the significant barrier posed by the high cost of internet connectivity to digital education in the country.

The objective of this initiative is straightforward but deeply significant, and that is to reduce the affordability barrier that locks millions of Nigerian students out of the digital classroom.

— Ayuba ShuaibuExplaining the core purpose of the zero-rated educational internet access initiative.

The proposed initiative, titled "Framework for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content," seeks to ensure that learners can access approved educational websites and applications without incurring data charges. Alternatively, dedicated educational data bundles may be offered, contingent upon eligibility criteria, fair usage policies, and regulatory safeguards.

During a consultation meeting in Abuja, Ayuba Shuaibu, Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis at the NCC, stated that the objective is to eliminate affordability barriers preventing millions of Nigerian students from participating in digital education. He acknowledged that while digital education offers vast opportunities, the rising cost of internet access excludes many learners.

While brilliant minds and immense potential can be found in every corner of our country, we all know that digital opportunities are not. Our task is to fix that gap, but as we do, we must ensure that our solutions remain transparent, sustainable, technologically sound and entirely consistent with fair competition and sound regulatory practice.

— Ayuba ShuaibuHighlighting the need to bridge the digital divide while maintaining regulatory integrity.

The NCC is adopting a consultative approach to ensure the framework is practical, transparent, sustainable, and aligns with fair competition principles. Stakeholders are invited to provide recommendations on implementation models, eligibility for platforms, funding, governance, and safeguards for net neutrality. The commission emphasizes that there are no predetermined outcomes and all submissions will be considered before finalizing the framework.

There are no predetermined outcomes. The Commission and the Industry Committee remain open to constructive, practical and evidence-based recommendations.

— Ayuba ShuaibuEmphasizing the open and consultative nature of the framework development process.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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