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FG To Regulate Internet Access For Under-16s, Removes Data Costs For Education Platforms

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The Federal Government says it will introduce regulated internet access for children below 16 as part of measures to protect Nigerian children from online threats….

The Federal Government says it will introduce regulated internet access for children below 16 as part of measures to protect Nigerian children from online threats.

 


Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday at the launch of the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria.

Alausa said the government was also removing data costs from access to approved educational platforms for millions of learners in senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

 

He said the initiative would help tackle the financial barrier preventing many students from accessing digital learning resources.

 

“Data cost must no longer shut learners out,” the minister said.
Alausa said the digital education programme was part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative and was aimed at ensuring that poverty and geography do not determine access to quality education.

 

He said digital devices could effectively serve as classrooms and libraries for students, particularly those from low-income households and underserved communities.

 

On child protection, the minister said the government was concerned about cyberattacks and other dangers facing children online.

 

“At some point, there would be regulated internet access for every child below the age of 16 years,” he said.

 

The minister called for collaboration between the government, telecommunications operators, technology companies, educational institutions and development partners to expand safe and affordable digital learning.

 

Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, described the high cost of data as a major obstacle to digital education and pledged legislative support for efforts to bridge the education gap.

 

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, also called for measures to ensure that no Nigerian child is excluded from access to knowledge and educational opportunities.

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