Stakeholders okay NCC’s Proposed Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms
Stakeholders drawn from government, industry, international
development organisations and the private sector have expressed strong support
for the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) initiative to provide
zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content for
students and learners across Nigeria.
The endorsement was made during the first public consultation
forum on the proposed framework titled “Zero-Rated Access to Educational
Platforms and Content in Nigeria,” held by the Commission in Abuja on Tuesday.
Participants described the initiative as a significant step
towards promoting not only connectivity, but also equitable access to education
and digital inclusion across the country.
Stakeholders at the forum included representatives of 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), and uLesson Group,
among others.
During the deliberations, participants emphasised the importance
of stronger collaboration among stakeholders, as well as sustained investments
in network expansion and infrastructure upgrades by telecommunications
operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
They noted that reliable and affordable internet connectivity
remains essential for the successful implementation and sustainability of
zero-rated educational services.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, disclosed that the Industry Committee
established to develop the initiative had carefully examined its technical,
policy, regulatory and commercial dimensions.
He explained that the committee subsequently developed a
consultation paper to facilitate stakeholder engagement and gather public input
on the proposed framework.
Represented by the NCC's Director, Policy, Competition and
Economic Analysis Department, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida stressed that broad-based
stakeholder participation was critical to developing a framework that reflects
industry realities while advancing national educational objectives.
He stated that the framework must be informed by the
perspectives of network operators, educational institutions, content providers,
government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations,
students, teachers and the wider public who stand to benefit from improved
access to digital learning opportunities.
According to him, collaboration is important in ensuring that
the framework adequately balances educational needs with regulatory
effectiveness, transparency, fairness and long-term sustainability.
Maida noted that the consultation forum forms part of the
Commission’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to
education through technology.
He explained that the engagement brought together stakeholders
from the communications, education, technology and development sectors to
deliberate on practical measures for facilitating access to accredited
educational platforms and content at no data cost or through specially
supported access arrangements.
The EVC added that the initiative is designed to reduce digital
and connectivity barriers to learning while expanding access to educational
resources, particularly for students and other learners across the country.
“The initiative also forms part of the Commission’s broader
efforts to leverage technology in advancing national educational objectives and
promoting inclusive digital participation,” Maida said.
The forum provided stakeholders with an opportunity to review
the objectives of the Zero-Rated Access Initiative, examine the proposed
implementation framework, and contribute technical, legal, regulatory,
competition, commercial and operational perspectives necessary for its
successful implementation.
Discussions focused on key issues such as implementation
approaches, eligibility criteria for educational platforms and content,
governance mechanisms, consumer protection safeguards, operational requirements,
and principles for identifying accredited educational resources that may
qualify for zero-rated access. Stakeholders also offered recommendations aimed
at strengthening the framework and ensuring its long-term viability.
The Commission noted that submissions and recommendations
received from stakeholders during the consultation will play a vital role in
refining the proposed framework and developing an effective roadmap for
implementation.
According to Maida, the initiative is expected to contribute
significantly to national efforts aimed at expanding educational opportunities,
enhancing digital literacy and harnessing technology to drive socio-economic
development across Nigeria.
Credit NCC PR
