The national government has introduced a program aimed at equipping teachers throughout the nation with subsidized mobile devices and complimentary data access to improve professional growth and classroom effectiveness.
Launched by the Federal Ministry of Education on Thursday, this initiative will initially support 8,000 educators from the six geopolitical regions during its first phase, which is set to span from December 2025 to July 2026.This initiative, executed with the technical assistance of the UK-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) project, is part of the Federal Government’s strategy to promote digital learning under the Education Public-Private Partnership (ePPP) framework in alignment with the National Digital Learning Policy (NDLP).
In his keynote speech at the Ministerial Roundtable on Zero-Rated Data and Devices for Nigerian Educators, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa referred to the initiative as a groundbreaking move towards cultivating a digitally skilled teaching workforce capable of offering high-quality education in the 21st century. He praised the PLANE project and other collaborators for their assistance, highlighting that this partnership illustrates the significance of strategic alliances in realizing national educational objectives.The minister noted that participating educators will enjoy complimentary access to the federal government’s eLearn platform and other accredited digital resources at no charge, made feasible through zero-rated data provisions from partner telecommunications companies and Internet Exchange providers.
“It’s unfortunate that educators are often undercompensated, and we are not deluding ourselves,” Alausa expressed. “
Providing these educators with devices and expecting them to cover data costs is unwise.Alausa further emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s dedication to narrowing the digital divide within the education sector, ensuring teachers have the instruments and resources necessary to enhance learning results.“It’s dead on arrival. That’s why we are gathering here today—to forge a route for them to access what they need without incurring any expenses.”
In her address, the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr. Ronke Soyombo, hailed the initiative as a pivotal step in making digital learning more attainable for educators nationwide. She pointed out that the program would enhance teachers’ capacity to incorporate technology into classroom teaching, close the digital gap, foster ongoing professional development, and ultimately uplift the quality of education across the nation.“The provision of zero-rated, subsidized data bundles is not just a technical fix—it is a strategic approach that can fast-track digital inclusion, boost educator capabilities, and enhance educational outcomes on a national scale,” Soyombo stated.
TRCN is dedicated to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure every educator in Nigeria is digitally empowered and professionally equipped to excel in a technology-enhanced educational environment.”Dr. Alausa also inaugurated the Ministerial Implementation Committee for the Education Public-Private Partnership (ePPP) on Zero Data and Devices.The committee, comprised of representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), TRCN, telecommunications companies, and EdTech platforms, is tasked with outlining the expenses for the pilot implementation plan for the fourth quarter of 2025, delivering a confirmed list of participating educators and schools, and generating a comprehensive pilot impact and learning report to steer a nationwide expansion by July 2026.