The federal government’s promised 100MB daily data allocation for students has yet to reach some intended beneficiaries, despite the scheduled October 1, 2026 launch of the initiative.
Students in public secondary schools and tertiary institutions who spoke on the programme said they had not received the allocation or information indicating when it would become available.
The scheme is being implemented under the Zero-Rated Data Access to Approved Educational Platforms and Content Initiative.
The Nigerian Communications Commission said the programme was launched in partnership with the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Education.
In a statement published on its official X account, the NCC said the initiative was designed to expand opportunities for learning by providing zero-rated access to approved educational content.
A final-year University of Abuja student, Victor Aondo, said he had checked his phone several times without finding the expected data.
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He added that colleagues he contacted had also not received the allocation.
Mrs Theresa Moji, a parent of an SS3 student at St Winifred Girls Secondary School, Ihugh, said she similarly tried to access the programme for her daughter without success.
Meanwhile, the NCC has clarified that the initiative is not an unrestricted 100MB internet bundle.
The commission said eligible students would benefit through access to educational platforms that have been officially approved and whitelisted.
The platforms may include Learning Management Systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development services and technical and vocational education platforms.
The scheme does not automatically cover social media and entertainment platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
According to the NCC, such platforms can only qualify where the relevant service or traffic has specifically been approved under the initiative.
The commission said the Federal Ministry of Education and NCC would jointly approve participating educational platforms.
The restriction is intended to ensure that the government-funded connectivity is directed towards learning and educational activities.
Further details on activation and access for individual beneficiaries are expected as the programme continues to roll out.
