FG Unveils Free Internet Plan for 5 Million Students
Millions of Nigerian students free internet users are expected to benefit from a new Federal Government programme designed to make digital education more affordable from October 1.
The initiative will provide five million learners with 100MB of sponsored internet data each day, allowing them to access selected educational websites and digital learning platforms without paying for the data themselves.
The programme was unveiled in Abuja on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the launch of the Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms and Content initiative.
The Federal Government said the scheme will require about N15 billion every month, putting its projected annual cost at N180 billion.
Government targets digital learning barriers
Alausa said the programme was developed to tackle one of the major challenges facing students who depend on the internet for learning: the cost of data.
He explained that providing sponsored connectivity would allow devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers to become more useful educational tools for learners who might otherwise struggle to afford regular internet access.
The minister also appealed to international development organisations, including UNESCO, to recognise the sponsored-data programme as part of the government’s broader investment in education.
According to him, the initiative supports the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative and the digitised Nigeria Education Management Information System.
Over 240,000 schools already mapped
The education minister disclosed that the government had mapped and geolocated more than 240,000 schools nationwide.
He added that the Learner’s Identification Number was being deployed to improve the identification and tracking of students from primary through tertiary education.
Alausa further revealed that measures were being developed to regulate internet access for children below 16, with security agencies expected to provide details in the coming weeks.
Telecom industry backs FG programme
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, described the initiative as part of efforts to narrow Nigeria’s digital divide.
Tijani, who was represented at the event by a ministry official, praised the Nigerian Communications Commission and telecom operators under the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria for helping establish the technical framework.
NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said internet connectivity had become an important part of modern education and that students should not lose access to learning opportunities because they could not afford data.
The private education technology sector also pledged technical assistance to help maintain the quality of the platforms that will be covered under the programme.
With the rollout scheduled for October 1, the Federal Government’s initiative is expected to give Nigerian students free internet access to approved educational resources as part of its wider push for digital learning.
Read also:https://e247mag.com/fg-digital-training-academy-16000-nigerians/