The Federal Government has unveiled a landmark initiative aimed at empowering teachers across Nigeria with mobile devices and zero-rated data access to enhance digital learning and classroom delivery.
The programme, launched on Thursday in Abuja, is part of the government’s commitment to advancing technology-driven education through an Education Public-Private Partnership (ePPP) framework aligned with the National Digital Learning Policy (NDLP).
Implemented with technical support from the United Kingdom (UK)-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) programme, the initiative seeks to ensure that teachers—especially those in rural and underserved communities—have access to the tools, content, and connectivity needed to thrive in a 21st-century classroom.
Pilot Phase for 8,000 Teachers
According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 8,000 teachers have been selected from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to participate in the pilot phase, which will run from December 2025 to July 2026.
Through the scheme, participating teachers will gain free access to the Federal Government’s eLearn platform and other approved digital resources, supported by zero-rated data provided through partner telecommunications companies and Internet Exchange providers.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who chaired the high-level roundtable that launched the programme, described the initiative as a “transformative step” toward building a digitally competent teaching workforce.
He said: “We know this; it’s unfortunate that teachers are not being paid enough, and we’re not fooling ourselves. Giving these teachers devices and expecting them to pay for data is foolhardy. It’s dead on arrival, and that’s why we’re here today to create a path for them to access whatever they need without paying anything.”
Stakeholders and Implementation Committee
At the launch, Dr. Alausa also inaugurated a Coordination and Implementation Committee (CIC) to oversee the delivery of the programme and ensure effective collaboration across sectors.
Members of the committee include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and private sector partners.
Partners in the initiative include PLANE, the British Council, MTN, Airtel, UBA, REVRICA, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Gradely, Tuteria, 1 Million Teachers, Oasis, EdTech Hub, and UNICEF.
The Minister noted that the collaboration underscores the Federal Government’s growing reliance on partnerships to bridge the digital divide and expand access to quality education.
UK, TRCN Applaud Initiative
Speaking at the event, Ian Attfield, Senior Education Adviser at the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s education reform and digital transformation efforts.
He said: “Education stakeholders must promote scalable, locally adapted solutions that leverage technology to improve teaching quality, learner engagement and national education equity goals.”
Also commending the initiative, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, Registrar of the TRCN, described it as “a significant stride toward making digital learning more accessible to all.”
She added: “The provision of zero-rated subsidised data bundles is not merely a technical solution; it is a strategic intervention that can accelerate digital inclusion, enhance teacher capacity, and ultimately improve learning outcomes nationwide. TRCN is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that every teacher in Nigeria is digitally empowered and professionally equipped to thrive in a technology-driven education landscape.”
Laying a Foundation for the Future
The Federal Government said the initiative is designed to eliminate data-cost barriers, promote local innovation in device manufacturing, and foster inclusive, technology-driven learning across the country.
If successfully implemented, the pilot phase will form the blueprint for a nationwide rollout expected to reach tens of thousands of teachers in subsequent phases.
Officials noted that the programme would not only strengthen professional development but also reposition Nigeria’s education system for a more connected and competitive future.
“This is about giving teachers a future they can reach,” an education ministry official said. “When our teachers are connected, our children are not left behind.”