The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its initiative on Zero-Rated Access for Educational Platforms and Content.
The UNESCO’s Digital Transformation Specialist, Dr Yinka Oyerinde, gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja at a one-day Public Consultation Forum on Zero-Rated Access for Educational Platforms and Content organised by the NCC.
Oyerinde described the platform as a strategic step towards bridging Nigeria’s digital literacy gap.
He said that the initiative came at the right time following sustained investments in digital literacy programmes across the country.
According to him, several digital literacy interventions led by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders have laid the foundation for the success of the initiative.
“Some may say it is a bit late or overdue, but I think it is strategically positioned to ensure maximum impact because the precursor factors required for success have already been put in place.
“It is not jumping the gun, especially considering the digital literacy advancement programmes that have been implemented over the past few years,” he said.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the proposed framework must reflect the contributions of all critical stakeholders.
Maida was represented by the Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Dr Ayuba Shuaibu.
He said that the initiative would only succeed if it was shaped by content providers, educators, students, telecommunications operators, families and communities that would benefit from it.
“The objective of this initiative is straightforward but deeply significant, and that is to reduce the affordability barrier that locks millions of Nigerian students out of the digital classroom,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director of ICT, Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Zainab Suleiman, said the ministry appreciated the collaboration aimed at expanding access to approved educational content for learners and teachers nationwide.
Suleiman said high data costs, limited connectivity and unequal access to digital learning resources continued to hinder learning, research, skills development and inclusive education delivery across the country.
“The zero-rated access initiative is very important to the education sector because it addresses barriers that have continued to affect learning continuity and access to educational opportunities,” she said.
Earlier, the Director of ICT, Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mrs Folasade Loyede, said the consultation reflected a shared commitment to making quality educational resources affordable and accessible to all Nigerians.
Loyede, represented by the Chief Programme Analyst, Mr Emmanuel Udoidiok, said the ministry leveraged digital infrastructure to build a digitally inclusive nation.
According to, digital learning can not thrive where the cost of internet access remains prohibitive.
“Zero-rating educational content is not just a policy target; it is a critical instrument for social and economic equity.
“During this consultation, we will seek stakeholders’ inputs on eligibility criteria for educational platforms and content, as well as market dynamics to ensure the framework promotes fair competition.
“We will also ensure that it protects consumers and sustains the telecommunications sector,” she said.
The forum brought together stakeholders from the education, telecommunications, technology and development sectors.
They deliberated on a framework that would enable affordable access to verified educational platforms and digital learning resources across Nigeria.
