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.

But while announcing the removal of data costs for approved educational content, Alausa also revealed that the government was working towards regulated internet access for children below 16 years, signalling a dual approach of expanding digital access while tightening protection for young users in the online environment.

The minister, who spoke at the launch of the initiative, said the government was determined to ensure that the cost of internet connectivity no longer determined which Nigerian child could access quality educational resources.

According to him, the initiative was not merely about providing connectivity but about ensuring that learning remained within the reach of children who could otherwise be shut out because of the cost of data.

Blaze 91.5 FM