FG makes digital education free for students, targets online safety for under 16s

The Federal Government has introduced a new digital education initiative that will allow Nigerian students to access approved educational platforms without paying for internet data.

The initiative, known as the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, was unveiled on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.

The government said the programme is aimed at making digital education more accessible to children and young people, especially those who cannot afford the cost of internet data.

Speaking at the launch, Alausa said the cost of internet access should not prevent any Nigerian child from getting quality educational materials.

He said the initiative was not only about providing internet access but also about ensuring that children could use digital platforms for learning without worrying about the cost of data.

“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,” the minister said.

The programme is coming at a time when Nigeria is facing major challenges in the education sector, including a large number of out of school children, poor learning facilities, limited internet access, unreliable electricity and low levels of digital literacy.

The Federal Government said the zero data charge policy would particularly benefit students in underserved and remote communities where access to traditional educational facilities remains limited.

Alausa said poverty and location should not determine the quality of education available to Nigerian children.

According to him, a mobile phone, tablet or computer can serve as a classroom and library if the cost of accessing educational content is removed.

The minister said the initiative is part of the digital transformation programme under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.

He also said the Ministry of Education was developing systems to improve the management of education across the country. These include the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and Learner Identification Number.

However, Alausa said the success of the digital education programme would not be measured by the number of platforms or devices provided.

He said the most important measure would be whether the initiative reached learners and helped to improve the quality of education.

Nigeria has previously used zero rated educational platforms, including the Nigeria Learning Passport, which was developed by the Federal Government, UNICEF and other partners.

The minister, however, said the government was also concerned about the risks children face online.

Alausa disclosed that plans were being developed to introduce regulated internet access for children below the age of 16.

He said the measure was part of efforts to protect children from cyberattacks and other dangers associated with increased internet use.

“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,” he said.

The proposed regulation means the government plans to expand children’s access to digital education while also putting measures in place to protect them online.

Alausa called for greater cooperation between the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, the Nigerian Communications Commission, telecommunications companies, technology firms, development partners, schools and teachers.

He also urged stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s digital education programme does not only produce people who consume technology but also young Nigerians who can create technology, innovate and use digital tools to solve problems.

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