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FG to Give Students 100MB Free Data Daily From October 1

Published

2 months ago

September 10, 2026

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa

FG to Give Students 100MB Free Data Daily From October 1

ABUJA — The Federal Government has announced plans to provide Nigerian students with 100 megabytes of free data every day from October 1, 2026, to enable them access approved educational websites and digital learning platforms without paying data charges.

The initiative, known as the Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, is being implemented by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, telecommunications operators and other stakeholders.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the commencement date on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the initiative.

“Let me let out the secret. This will be made available to Nigerian students from October 1st, 2026,” Alausa said.

The minister said the programme would initially cover learners in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions, with plans to extend it to other categories of learners as implementation progresses.

Under the framework, participating mobile network operators (MNOs) will provide a daily 100MB zero-rated data allowance that students can use to access educational websites and digital platforms approved under the programme.

The allocation, however, is not unrestricted free internet data. It will apply to whitelisted educational platforms and websites approved by the relevant authorities.

Alausa said the initiative was designed to address the cost of internet access, which he identified as a major barrier to digital education, particularly for learners from low-income households.

“Our ambition must be that, ultimately, no Nigerian learner should be denied access to quality educational content simply because he or she cannot afford data,” the minister said.

He explained that removing data charges from approved educational resources could enable students to use mobile phones, tablets and computers as virtual classrooms and libraries, particularly where physical educational resources are limited.

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The minister also said the government was working on measures relating to internet access for children below 16 years, with further details expected to be announced.

He stressed that online educational content made available to young people must be “appropriate, credible, safe and aligned with our educational objectives and our curriculum.”

Alausa said the Federal Government was also advancing the digitalisation of Nigeria’s education sector through initiatives including the Nigeria Education Data Infrastructure, Digital Nigeria Education Management Information System and the Learner Identification Number (LIN).

He disclosed that more than 240,000 schools had been geo-mapped and geolocated across the country.

The government is also digitising the Annual School Census to provide more accurate information on enrolment, teachers, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, connectivity and school safety.

According to the minister, better education data would help government improve planning, monitor developments and target interventions more effectively.

The NCC Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, said the commission and the Federal Ministry of Education would jointly determine the educational platforms that qualify to be whitelisted under the initiative.

He said eligible platforms would include learning management systems, digital libraries, educational repositories, teacher-development platforms, and technical and vocational training platforms.

“The framework also adopts the operator’s consult model for the initial rollout of the initiative. Under this model, a daily zero-rated data allowance of 100 MB will be provided by the participating MNOs for usage on approved websites and platforms,” Shuaibu said.

He explained that the initial rollout would provide zero-rated access to students in public secondary schools and public tertiary institutions, allowing them to use selected educational resources without incurring data charges.

The framework also contains requirements covering cybersecurity, consumer protection, child protection and data protection, while providing safeguards relating to net neutrality, fair competition and inclusivity.

NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said millions of learners were unable to take advantage of digital learning platforms because of the cost of internet data.

She said the initiative was intended to ensure that a learner’s location or household income did not determine whether they could access educational content online.

“The Zero-Rated Access Initiative exists to erase that line. Its principle is simple: no learner should be shut out of educational content because of where they live or what their family earns,” Makama said.

She said the NCC, mobile network operators under the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Federal Ministries of Communications and Education and other stakeholders had undertaken research, benchmarking, testing and consultations before developing the framework.

Representing the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, at the event, Director of the National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, Adetunji Adeyemo, described the initiative as an important step towards making digital education more affordable and accessible.

He pledged the ministry’s continued support for programmes aimed at promoting digital inclusion, affordable connectivity and access to knowledge, particularly for learners in underserved communities.

NCC Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative was about more than simply providing internet connectivity.

“It is not about providing connectivity; it is about giving people connectivity to gain knowledge,” Maida said.

He noted that the telecommunications industry was continuing to invest in network infrastructure and disclosed that operators had committed to upgrading about 12,000 network sites in 2026, with about 70 per cent already completed.

According to Maida, improving connectivity in unserved and underserved communities would be essential to ensuring that digital education initiatives reach learners outside major urban centres.

In his closing remarks, NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, identified MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and Globacom among the major mobile network operators supporting the programme.

He thanked the operators for their commitment to providing the data allowances required for learners to access approved educational platforms.

The initiative follows earlier consultations by the NCC with telecommunications operators, education authorities, digital learning providers and other stakeholders on ways to reduce the cost of accessing educational content online.

The commission had previously said that the high cost of data remained one of the challenges limiting digital learning and educational technology adoption in Nigeria.

With the October 1 rollout, the government hopes to remove at least part of that financial barrier for students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

However, students will only be able to use the 100MB daily allowance on educational websites and platforms approved under the scheme. The initiative does not amount to 100MB of unrestricted free internet that can be used for social media, streaming, messaging or other general online activities.

The government and the NCC are expected to monitor the rollout, usage and impact of the programme as they work towards expanding digital inclusion and access to quality educational content across Nigeria.

FG to Give Students 100MB Free Data Daily From October 1

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Bill Clinton condemns anti-Muslim prejudice, cites Qur’an’s message of coexistence

Published

19 hours ago

October 25, 2026

Trends Admin

Former United States President Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton condemns anti-Muslim prejudice, cites Qur’an’s message of coexistence

Former US president recalls daughter Chelsea’s experience reading Islamic holy book, says people should not be denigrated because of their faith

Former United States President Bill Clinton has condemned discrimination against Muslims, declaring that he is tired of people being denigrated simply because of their religious beliefs.

Clinton made the remarks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while speaking at an interfaith gathering at Koinonia Worship Center in Florida, where he cited a passage from the Qur’an that encourages mutual understanding among people of different backgrounds.

The former president recalled how his daughter, Chelsea Clinton, introduced him to the message after reading the Qur’an from beginning to end when she was 15 years old.

According to reports of his speech, Clinton used the experience to highlight the importance of religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the need to resist prejudice against people because of their faith.

“I’m tired of people denigrating Muslims for being Muslims,” Clinton said.

He argued that religious differences should not become a basis for hostility and that people should not be judged collectively on account of the actions of individuals who share their faith.

“There are bad actors in every faith because we’re all flawed human beings,” he added.

Clinton also expressed weariness with religious wars and cultural conflicts, calling attention to the need for greater understanding across religious and cultural boundaries.

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Recounting his daughter’s experience, Clinton said Chelsea had read the Qur’an from beginning to end at the age of 15 and subsequently drew his attention to a passage concerning humanity’s diversity and the relationship between different peoples.

The passage, identified as Qur’an 49:13, is found in Surah Al-Hujurat, which teaches that Allah created humanity from a male and a female and made people into nations and tribes so that they might know one another.

The verse further states that the most honoured in the sight of Allah is the most righteous.

Clinton paraphrased the passage as a message that people were created differently not to despise one another, but to become acquainted with and learn from one another.

His reference to the verse formed a central part of his argument against religious prejudice, emphasising that differences in faith, ethnicity and culture should encourage understanding rather than discrimination.

The Qur’anic passage is widely associated with the Islamic principle of human dignity and the recognition of diversity among peoples.

Clinton’s remarks challenged the tendency to associate the actions of individuals with entire religious communities. By observing that wrongdoing occurs among followers of different faiths, he argued against treating Muslims or members of any other religious group as collectively responsible for the misconduct of particular individuals.

His comments also drew attention to the consequences of religious and cultural divisions, which can deepen mistrust and encourage hostility between communities.

The former president’s position, as reported from the event, was that people should be assessed as individuals rather than denigrated merely because they belong to a particular religion.

The remarks have attracted attention because they place the Qur’an’s message of mutual understanding at the centre of a public discussion about anti-Muslim prejudice in the United States.

Clinton spoke at the Florida gathering against the backdrop of political controversy surrounding comments about Muslim political figures in the United States.

Reports on the event linked his remarks to the debate surrounding Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim Democratic candidate seeking election to the United States Senate from Michigan, who has faced criticism from political opponents.

President Donald Trump has reportedly used the term “jihadist” in referring to El-Sayed, drawing attention to the use of religiously charged language in American political discourse.

Clinton’s comments, however, focused on the broader issue of denigrating Muslims because of their faith and the need to promote understanding across religious communities.

The event also featured David Jolly, the Democratic candidate for governor of Florida, whose campaign was the political context for Clinton’s appearance.

The gathering brought together religious and political issues, with the former president using the occasion to speak about inclusion, tolerance and the dangers of defining people through religious hostility.

Following the circulation of Clinton’s remarks, some social media posts attributed additional statements to him and his daughter, including claims that Chelsea described the Qur’an as a “miraculous book” and declared that all negative things said about Muslims were lies.

However, those additional statements have not been established by the available reports of Clinton’s speech.

What is supported by the reported remarks is that Clinton recalled Chelsea’s reading of the Qur’an, cited the message of Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13 and condemned the denigration of Muslims because of their religious identity.

The distinction is important because a genuine statement can be accompanied by unverified additions as it spreads across social media.

Clinton’s documented message remains a call for religious tolerance and mutual understanding, rather than evidence that every statement contained in the viral version was made by him or his daughter.

The passage Clinton cited, Qur’an 49:13, states in part that Allah made humanity into nations and tribes so that people may know one another. The verse places human diversity within a moral framework in which righteousness, rather than ethnic or social identity, determines a person’s standing before Allah.

For Muslims, the passage is a reminder that differences among peoples should not automatically become grounds for contempt or discrimination.

Clinton’s decision to invoke the verse in condemning anti-Muslim prejudice has therefore brought renewed attention to its message of recognition and coexistence.

His remarks also underscore the importance of verifying quotations attributed to public figures, particularly when religious issues and politically sensitive debates are involved.

Bill Clinton condemns anti-Muslim prejudice, cites Qur’an’s message of coexistence

Source: Al Jazeera, Siasat and other published reports on Clinton’s October 20, 2026, remarks at Koinonia Worship Center, Florida.

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41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

Published

2 days ago

October 24, 2026

Trends Admin

41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

Five Islamic clerics abducted by suspected bandits in Zamfara State have remained in captivity for 41 days, renewing concerns over their safety and the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria’s North-West.

The continued detention of the clerics was disclosed on Friday by conflict reporter Bakatsine, who appealed to Nigerians to continue praying for their safe return.

In an update shared on social media on October 23, 2026, Bakatsine said the Islamic scholars were still in the hands of their abductors and expressed hope that they would reunite with their families.

The clerics were reportedly abducted on September 12, 2026, while travelling towards Talata Mafara Local Government Area for a special prayer gathering organised in connection with President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The gathering was associated with Senator Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari, a former Zamfara State governor and the Director-General of Tinubu’s re-election campaign council.

Reports identified the five clerics as Imam Yahuza, Magawata Abdullahi, Malam Shehu Dakko, Imam Bala Fagon and Na’ibi Tasi’u. They were said to have travelled from communities in Bakura and Talata Mafara local government areas to attend the gathering.

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However, the Nigerian Army clarified shortly after the incident that the clerics were not abducted at Yari’s residence, contrary to some initial reports. According to the military, intelligence indicated that the victims were seized while travelling from the Sububu Forest axis in Bakura towards Talata Mafara.

The Zamfara State Police Command also confirmed the incident, stating that armed men had intercepted the clerics’ vehicle along the Dakko–Damri feeder road in Bakura Local Government Area and that efforts were underway to rescue them.

There were initial reports that six Islamic clerics had been abducted, although the latest reports identifying those still in captivity named five victims.

Reports following the abduction indicated that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from the victims’ families before the amount was reportedly reduced to ₦30 million during negotiations. However, there has been no confirmed public update on the progress of the negotiations or whether the demand has been met.

As of Friday, October 23, there was no confirmed information that the clerics had been released. Their current whereabouts and condition also remained unclear.

The prolonged captivity has heightened concerns over the security situation in Zamfara State, where armed groups have continued to abduct travellers and residents for ransom.

The incident has also drawn attention to the risks faced by people travelling between rural communities in the state, despite security operations aimed at curbing banditry.

Families of kidnapped victims and residents of affected communities have repeatedly called for stronger security measures and more effective rescue operations to prevent further abductions and secure the release of those still being held.

Bakatsine’s latest appeal has renewed calls for continued public concern over the fate of the five clerics as their families await news of their safe return.

41 Days in Bandits’ Den: Five Islamic Clerics Still Held After Tinubu Re-Election Prayer Trip

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EFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories

Published

2 days ago

October 24, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Opens Recruitment for Nigerians, Sets Age Limits for Four Job Categories

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened its 2026 nationwide recruitment exercise, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for positions across four job categories, with age limits ranging from 18 to 40 years.

The Federal Character Commission (FCC), in a recruitment listing published on October 23, 2026, marked the exercise as ongoing and outlined the qualifications, age requirements and other eligibility conditions for prospective applicants.

The recruitment covers the Detective Superintendent, Detective Inspector, Detective Assistant, and Professionals/Skilled Workers cadres, providing opportunities for university graduates, National Diploma holders, secondary school certificate holders and experienced professionals.

According to the published notice, applications must be submitted online through the designated recruitment portal. The application process is free, and candidates are warned against paying individuals or organisations promising to secure employment for them.

For the Detective Superintendent cadre, applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) from a recognised institution, alongside a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate. The position corresponds to Assistant Superintendent of EFCC II on Grade Level 08, and applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.

The Detective Inspector category is open to candidates with a National Diploma (ND) or National Certificate in Education (NCE) from a recognised institution. The position corresponds to Inspector of EFCC II on Grade Level 06, with an age requirement of 18 to 27 years.

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For the Detective Assistant cadre, applicants must have at least five credit passes in WAEC, NECO, GCE or NABTEB examinations, including English Language and Mathematics. The results must be obtained in no more than two sittings. The position corresponds to Detective Assistant II on Grade Level 04, and applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old.

The fourth category, Professionals and Skilled Workers, covers applicants with relevant academic qualifications, professional credentials or technical expertise. The stipulated age range is 18 to 40 years.

The professional and skilled-worker category covers several fields, including medicine, pharmacy, law, nursing, medical laboratory science, engineering and technology-related disciplines. The commission is also seeking qualified or experienced personnel in human resources management, financial analysis, media and publicity, policy analysis, legal services, research, planning, monitoring and evaluation, librarianship, information and communications technology, driving, and administrative or clerical support.

Applicants in this category are expected to possess qualifications relevant to their chosen positions. An NYSC discharge or exemption certificate is also listed among the requirements, while membership of a relevant professional association is an added advantage. A valid national driver’s licence is similarly listed as an advantage for applicants seeking professional and skilled-worker positions.

Beyond the academic and age requirements, the published recruitment notice states that applicants must be Nigerian citizens, possess basic computer skills and demonstrate good character and integrity. Candidates must also be medically fit and provide evidence of fitness from a government-approved hospital. Applicants with criminal records are ineligible, while the notice states that tattoos on any part of the body are not permitted.

Additional conditions apply to cadet applicants, who must be single at the time of application. Male cadet applicants must be at least 1.67 metres tall, while female applicants must have a minimum height of 1.64 metres. Prospective candidates are advised to review the requirements carefully and ensure they meet the conditions for their preferred category before submitting their applications.

Interested applicants are directed to complete their applications online through the designated EFCC recruitment portal at https://recruitment.efcc.gov.ng. The recruitment listing states that applications are expected to close one week after the commencement of the exercise. Applicants should therefore check the portal for the exact closing date and any additional instructions before applying.

Candidates who are shortlisted will be required to present printed copies of their completed application forms during screening. The commission’s recruitment process is stated to be entirely free of charge. Applicants should not pay recruitment agents, intermediaries or individuals claiming to have connections within the EFCC.

Candidates should also avoid unofficial websites and social media accounts requesting payment or sensitive personal information in exchange for employment opportunities. Qualified Nigerians are encouraged to rely on the designated recruitment portal and official EFCC and Federal Character Commission communication channels for updates on the exercise.