The federal government’s 100MB daily data initiative for students has come under scrutiny after some beneficiaries reported that the promised connectivity was not available on the scheduled launch day.
The Zero-Rated Data Access to Approved Educational Platforms and Content Initiative was announced for eligible students in public secondary and tertiary institutions, with implementation scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026.
However, students and parents in different parts of the country said they were yet to see the benefit on their mobile lines.
Victor Aondo, a final-year Microbiology student of the University of Abuja, said he had repeatedly refreshed his phone to check for the promised data but found nothing.
According to him, he also contacted colleagues, none of whom had reportedly received the allocation at the time.
Mrs Theresa Moji, whose daughter is an SS3 student at St Winifred Girls Secondary School, Ihugh, similarly said she had been unable to access the initiative.
The Nigerian Communications Commission said the programme was being rolled out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria.
The commission explained that the scheme was designed to give students zero-rated access to approved educational content and platforms.
It also warned that the initiative should not be confused with a regular 100MB mobile internet bundle.
The benefit is restricted to platforms that have been approved and whitelisted by the relevant authorities.
Qualifying platforms may include Learning Management Systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher development platforms and technical and vocational training services.
Students cannot ordinarily use the zero-rated access for unrestricted browsing or social media platforms such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
The NCC said the Federal Ministry of Education and the commission would continue to identify and approve participating platforms.
According to the commission, limiting access to educational services is intended to ensure that the government’s initiative delivers its intended learning benefits.
The reported delay has left some students waiting for further information on activation and availability as the nationwide rollout continues.
