FG scraps data charges for students

…moves to regulate internet access for under-16s By Joseph Erunke, Abuja The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled a major digital education intervention that will allow millions of Nigerian students to access approved educational platforms without paying for internet data, in a move aimed at dismantling one of the biggest barriers to technology-driven learning in the country.

The initiative, unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, under the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, is designed to make digital learning accessible to children and young people regardless of their economic circumstances or location.

The latest initiative, however, signals a broader attempt by the Federal Government to institutionalise zero-rated access to approved educational platforms as digital technology increasingly becomes an important component of teaching and learning.