{
  "id": 6599074,
  "title": "FG scraps data costs for students, to regulate internet for under-16",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/fg-scraps-data-costs-for-students-to-regulate-internet-for-under-16",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T14:52:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/fg-scraps-data-costs-for-students-to-regulate-internet-for-under-16/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Federal Government of Nigeria has eliminated data charges for millions of students accessing educational platforms, aiming to enhance accessibility to learning resources nationwide. Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, revealed this during the inauguration of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria. This move is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, intended to dismantle barriers to digital learning expansion in Nigeria. Alausa emphasized that the initiative transcends mere connectivity, stressing that learning should be within reach for children who cannot afford the associated data costs. Poverty, geographical limitations, and inadequate traditional educational infrastructure should not hinder Nigerian learners from accessing educational opportunities. The intervention addresses Nigeria's ongoing education crisis and the increasing digital divide, which leaves many children and young people without reliable learning access. UNICEF reported millions of Nigerian children remaining out of school, with digital learning access hindered by poor connectivity, electricity, and digital literacy, especially in rural areas. Nigeria has previously provided zero-rated access to educational content, including the Nigeria Learning Passport through whitelisting on Airtel SIM and expanding connectivity to schools in remote communities. Alausa highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to transform the education sector through digitalization under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative. The Ministry of Education is also upgrading education management and delivery via initiatives like the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System, and Learner Identification Number. Alausa stressed the importance of digital transformation in improving education quality, focusing on reaching learners and enhancing the learning experience. Additionally, the government announced plans for regulated internet access for children under 16 to strengthen online child protection.",
  "summary": "The Federal Government has announced free data for students accessing educational platforms to make learning more accessible and plans to regulate internet Read More: https://punchng.com/fg-scraps-data-costs-for-students-to-regulate-internet-for-under-16/",
  "key_points": [
    "Federal Government eliminates data costs for students accessing educational platforms.",
    "Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa announced initiative at UN launch.",
    "Regulated internet access for children under 16 to strengthen online child protection."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "FG scraps data costs for students, to regulate internet for under-16",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/fg-scraps-data-costs-for-students-to-regulate-internet-for-under-16-6601477",
        "published": "2026-09-10T15:24:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}