NCC proposes free access to Coursera, Google classroom,other educational platforms

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is developing a new regulatory framework that could allow Nigerians to access selected educational websites without using mobile data, in a move aimed at expanding digital learning and improving access to quality education.

According to a consultation paper released by the Commission, the proposed Zero-Rated Data Access Framework will enable students and other learners to use approved educational platforms free of data charges.

The initiative is designed to improve equitable access to digital educational resources, boost digital literacy and support national learning outcomes by removing one of the biggest barriers to online education—the cost of internet access.

The NCC said the proposal followed calls from stakeholders for the telecommunications industry to leverage its digital infrastructure to address the growing number of Nigerian students who are unable to afford internet access for educational purposes.

To drive the initiative, the Commission established a Joint Committee comprising officials of the NCC and key industry stakeholders to develop an implementation framework.

In the consultation paper, the Committee said there was a strong case for introducing zero-rated educational content to bridge digital inclusion gaps among Nigerian students.

“Based on its initial evaluation, the Joint Committee finds compelling justification for utilizing a Zero-Rated Data Access programme to close inclusion gaps amongst Nigeria’s most critical population segment.

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“The Joint Committee believes that national economic growth and competitiveness will be enhanced by ensuring that Nigerian students can easily access the most current digital education platforms being utilized by their peers globally,” the paper stated.

The Commission, however, stressed that the programme would only be implemented after extensive stakeholder consultations to ensure it is practical, sustainable and beneficial to all parties.

As part of the consultation process, the NCC is seeking public input on the categories of educational content that should qualify for zero-rated access.

The proposed list includes national curriculum-based learning materials for basic, secondary and tertiary education, accredited e-learning platforms approved by the Federal Ministry of Education and examination bodies such as WAEC, NECO, NBTE and NUC, digital libraries, research repositories, public-interest educational resources, literacy tools and teacher training platforms.

Stakeholders are also expected to determine whether the initiative should be limited to .edu domains and government-approved educational institutions or expanded to globally recognised learning platforms such as Google Classroom, Coursera, the Nigerian Virtual Library and the Nigeria Learning Passport.

The NCC has scheduled a public consultation on the proposed framework for July 14, 2026, in Abuja.

If approved, the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of Nigerians currently using online learning platforms to acquire digital skills and professional certifications.

The proposal comes amid the Federal Government’s ongoing push to expand digital education. Last month, the government partnered with Coursera to launch the Digital Training Academy, a programme designed to provide 36,000 Nigerian youths with globally recognised certifications in areas including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and Software Engineering.

Similarly, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has been collaborating with Coursera to support digital skills development for Nigerians through online learning programmes.