The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has praised the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Zero-Rated Access for Educational Platforms and Content initiative, describing it as a timely step toward improving digital learning and bridging Nigeria’s digital literacy gap.
Speaking at a one-day public consultation organised by the NCC in Abuja on Tuesday, UNESCO Digital Transformation Specialist, Dr. Yinka Oyerinde, said the initiative complements the numerous digital literacy programmes already implemented by the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
According to Oyerinde, the country has made significant investments in digital literacy through programmes led by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Federal Ministry of Education, making the free access initiative well-positioned to achieve meaningful impact.
Representing the NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Dr. Ayuba Shuiabu, said the success of the framework depends on the active participation of stakeholders, including content providers, educators, students, families and communities.
He explained that the initiative is designed to remove the financial barriers preventing millions of Nigerian students from accessing digital learning resources.
Also speaking, the Director of ICT at the Federal Ministry of Education, Zainab Suleiman, welcomed the initiative, noting that high data costs, poor connectivity and unequal access to online learning materials continue to hinder education across the country.
She said providing zero-rated educational content would improve learning continuity, support research, enhance digital skills and promote inclusive education for learners and teachers nationwide.
Similarly, the Director of ICT at the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mrs. Folasade Loyede, represented by Chief Programme Analyst Emmanuel Udoidiok, described affordable access to digital learning as essential to building a digitally driven nation.
She said the consultation would focus on developing clear eligibility criteria for educational platforms, maintaining fair competition within the telecommunications sector and ensuring consumer protection while expanding access to quality educational resources.
The NCC’s Zero-Rated Access initiative aims to make approved educational platforms accessible without data charges, helping more Nigerians benefit from digital education regardless of their financial situation or location.
