ABUJA, Nigeria – The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 100MB daily data allocation for students in public secondary and tertiary institutions, describing the package as inadequate for meaningful digital learning.
The group said the proposed allocation should instead be replaced with unlimited access to educational websites and digital learning platforms to allow students to study without data restrictions.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Coordinator, Ogunjimi Isaac, and National Mobilisation Officer, Adaramoye Michael Lenin on Tuesday, the ERC said the government’s digital education initiative would have greater impact if combined with broader investment in school technology and infrastructure.
The group called for increased provision of information and communication technology facilities in schools, improved infrastructure and subsidised internet-enabled devices for students who cannot afford them.
The ERC also raised concerns about the cost of internet access in Nigeria, arguing that expensive data could limit the ability of students to benefit from digital learning programmes.
It urged the government to review internet costs and address what it described as poor service delivery by telecommunications providers.
According to the group, access to affordable and reliable internet should be treated as a key component of any national digital education strategy.
The ERC also called for increased public funding for education and greater involvement of students, parents and education workers in decision-making within educational institutions.
The group said the proposed 100MB allocation should be reconsidered alongside broader measures to expand affordable digital access. It additionally called for the nationalisation and democratic management of the telecommunications sector, saying such a model would, in its view, place greater emphasis on service delivery.
The ERC maintained that digital learning initiatives would have limited impact if students lacked reliable internet connections, suitable devices and adequate school infrastructure.
