Get ready for a game-changing experience! The 2024 Advanced Women Entrepreneurs and Executives in Tech Summit  (WEETS) Digital Skills Boot Camp is coming to the Digital Bridge Institute, Cappa Oshodi, Lagos and it’s set to ignite your future. Over two electrifying days, this pioneering program will equip over 500 participants […]

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has clarified that the reported national grid collapse on Monday was actually a line tripping incident at the Benin-Egbin 330kV isolator. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s spokesperson, addressed the issue in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, countering reports that had suggested a nationwide blackout due […]

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Stakeholders Rally Behind NCC’s Plan to Deliver Free Access to Digital Learning Platforms Nationwide The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has received overwhelming support from key stakeholders for its proposed framework to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content, a move expected to remove cost barriers to online education and accelerate digital inclusion across Nigeria. The endorsement came during the Commission’s maiden public consultation on the proposed framework, “Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria,” held in Abuja on Tuesday. The initiative, which seeks to enable students and learners to access approved educational resources without incurring data charges, was widely applauded as a transformative step towards expanding educational opportunities and bridging the country’s digital divide. The consultation attracted representatives from the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), uLesson Group, telecommunications operators, development partners and other stakeholders. Participants unanimously stressed that while the initiative holds immense promise, its success will depend on sustained collaboration among government agencies, telecommunications operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), educational institutions and the private sector. They also called for increased investments in broadband infrastructure, network expansion and service quality to guarantee reliable and affordable internet connectivity capable of supporting nationwide access to digital learning resources. Speaking at the forum, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed that the Industry Committee established by the Commission had undertaken extensive reviews of the technical, policy, regulatory and commercial implications of the initiative before developing a consultation paper to guide stakeholder engagement. Represented by the Commission’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida said broad stakeholder participation was essential to developing a practical, inclusive and sustainable framework that reflects industry realities while advancing Nigeria’s educational goals. He noted that contributions from network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, teachers, students and the wider public would help shape a framework that balances educational priorities with regulatory effectiveness, transparency, commercial viability and long-term sustainability. According to him, the public consultation underscores the Commission’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to improve access to education and promote inclusive national development. “The engagement provides a platform for stakeholders across the communications, education, technology and development sectors to jointly examine practical pathways for providing learners with free or specially supported access to accredited educational platforms and digital content,” he said. Maida explained that the initiative is specifically designed to eliminate connectivity barriers that prevent millions of Nigerians from accessing quality educational resources, particularly students in underserved and disadvantaged communities. “The initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to leverage technology in advancing national educational objectives and promoting inclusive digital participation,” he added. The consultation also enabled participants to scrutinise the proposed implementation framework, assess operational and regulatory requirements, and offer recommendations on critical issues, including eligibility criteria for educational platforms, governance structures, consumer protection mechanisms, implementation models and accreditation standards for educational content. Stakeholders submitted practical recommendations aimed at strengthening the framework, ensuring fairness among service providers, safeguarding consumers and enhancing the long-term sustainability of the initiative. The Commission stated that all submissions received during the consultation would be carefully reviewed and incorporated into the final framework, which will serve as the roadmap for implementation. Once operational, the Zero-Rated Access Initiative is expected to significantly expand access to digital education, improve digital literacy, promote equitable learning opportunities and support Nigeria’s broader socio-economic development by making quality educational resources more accessible to every learner, regardless of location or financial status.