MTN, Airtel, Others Back FG Free Data Plan for Students With 100MB Daily
By Aboki Forex —
Telecom operators in Nigeria have pledged support for the Federal Government's Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Programme, which will let subscribers reach approved learning platforms without paying for data.
The programme, run with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Ministry of Education, carries an initial daily allocation of 100MB dedicated to educational use.
What ALTON Said
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), which speaks for the operators, said the scheme could remove a major barrier to digital learning across the country.
In a statement jointly signed by ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo and Publicity Secretary Damian Udeh, the association said the initiative shows what can be achieved when government, regulators and industry players unite behind a common national objective.
ALTON noted that telecoms infrastructure has moved beyond connecting people. It is now a platform for education, innovation, entrepreneurship, healthcare delivery and economic participation.
As more learning moves online, the association said affordable and reliable access to educational content has become central to Nigeria's development. It admitted that the cost of internet data remains a challenge for many learners chasing educational materials and services online.
How the Programme Will Work
Under the scheme, subscribers will get free access to approved educational platforms, with the initial daily 100MB set aside for educational use.
ALTON said the arrangement is expected to cover teaching, learning, examination preparation, research and other digital educational resources.
By cutting the cost of reaching approved platforms, the programme could pull in more students and teachers, especially those facing financial or geographical barriers to online resources. The association said it also fits broader government goals around human capital development, digital literacy and inclusive access to opportunities.
ALTON said the telecoms industry sees the programme as a chance to show how digital infrastructure can deliver real social and economic returns.
"The initiative demonstrates how digital infrastructure can be leveraged to create lasting social value. While connectivity remains the foundation, its real impact is measured by the opportunities it creates and the lives it transforms," ALTON said.
The association added that wider digital access to education would help build a more skilled, productive and competitive workforce, with potential gains for long-term economic growth.
ALTON said its members will work with the Federal Government, the NCC, the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to make sure the programme is implemented effectively.
Separate Digital Skills Push
The support for zero-rated education content comes alongside another government training drive. The FG launched the Digital Training Academy on Monday, August 17, 2026, as part of the National Skilling Project.
The programme, run with Coursera, offers free training in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development and more than 10 other digital skill areas. Nigerians aged 18 and above can apply with their NIN and an active phone number through the official DTA portal.
For Nigerian students and teachers, the zero-rating plan could trim daily browsing costs at a time when data prices remain a sore point for households. The early 100MB cap, however, is small, and its real value will depend on which platforms get approved and how quickly the operators switch them on.