By Kingsley I. Ilechukwu, Bureau Chief, South West, Nigeria
Telecommunications sector advocacy body, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said it welcomed and strongly supports the Federal Government’s Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Programme, being implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Federal Ministry of Education and participating telecommunications operators, Cyber Era NG learns.
This positive sentiment towards the government’s gesture, is contained in a press statement e-signed by the Chairman and Publicity Secretary of ALTON Engr. Gbenga Adebayo and Damian Udeh, respectively.
Per the ALTON statement: “This initiative represents a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities, promoting digital inclusion and accelerating Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge-driven digital economy. It also demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when government, regulators and industry work together in pursuit of a shared national objective.
The telecommunications industry has long recognised connectivity as a powerful enabler of social and economic development. Beyond providing access to communication services, digital networks create opportunities for learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, healthcare delivery and economic participation. As education increasingly moves into digital spaces, ensuring affordable access to educational resources becomes critical to national development.
“The Zero-Rated Educational Access Programme responds directly to this need by providing subscribers with access to approved educational platforms without data charges, supported by an initial daily allocation of 100MB for educational use. The initiative is expected to support teaching, learning, examination preparation, research and other educational activities while helping to reduce barriers faced by many learners in accessing digital educational content.
Importantly, the programme advances broader national objectives relating to human capital development, digital literacy and inclusive access to opportunities. By reducing the cost of accessing educational resources, it creates greater opportunities for students, teachers and learners across the country, irrespective of location or socioeconomic background, to participate meaningfully in the digital learning ecosystem.
“For the telecommunications industry, 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. Investments that improve access to education ultimately contribute to a more skilled, productive and competitive workforce, strengthening Nigeria’s long-term economic prospects.
ALTON particularly commends the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Federal Ministry of Education, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and all stakeholders who have worked collaboratively to bring this initiative to fruition. The programme reflects a practical and sustainable model for addressing national development challenges through partnership and shared responsibility.
“We believe the ultimate success of the initiative should be measured not merely by the volume of data consumed, but by its impact on learning outcomes, educational participation, digital literacy and the opportunities it creates for Nigerians to acquire knowledge and skills.
ALTON and its members remain fully committed to supporting the successful implementation of the programme and to working constructively with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian learner has greater access to quality educational resources in the digital age.
Investing in education is investing in Nigeria’s future, and we are proud to support an initiative that helps make that future more accessible to all.”
Experts believe the statement validates the importance of the initiative in expanding access to digital learning, promoting educational inclusion, advancing digital literacy, and supporting Nigeria’s broader human capital development objectives. It also underscores the value of continued collaboration between government, regulators, and industry in delivering sustainable national development outcomes.
