The initiative follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at removing the cost barriers that prevent millions of students from accessing online educational resources. According to the Commission, the public consultation opened on June 19 and will run until July 9, giving stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the development of the programme.

The proposed initiative seeks to address the growing digital divide affecting Nigerian learners, many of whom struggle to participate in online education due to the high cost of internet data. To drive the project, the NCC has established a Joint NCC-Industry Committee responsible for designing a sustainable framework that will provide students with uninterrupted access to educational content and digital learning platforms.

As part of the proposal, the committee is evaluating two implementation models. The first involves creating a centralized, mobile-friendly portal that will host and link students to approved educational resources. The second option would require telecommunications companies to whitelist curriculum-approved educational websites, allowing students to access them without consuming data.

The Commission is also considering eligibility guidelines to ensure the programme remains effective and financially sustainable. Current proposals include restricting free data access to students in public senior secondary schools and tertiary institutions or extending the benefit to all learners in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

To maintain the educational focus of the initiative, only learning materials approved by recognized regulatory bodies such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) will qualify for free access. Social media platforms, entertainment websites, video streaming services, and other non-educational content will be excluded from the programme.

Funding remains one of the key considerations for the initiative. Under the proposal, the scheme will begin with a 12-month pilot phase during which eligible students will receive free daily data allowances. The programme is expected to be supported through the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), government funding, and contributions from international development partners, including UNICEF.

Following the pilot phase, the NCC plans to introduce highly subsidised educational data bundles while conducting bi-annual assessments to evaluate network performance, programme usage, and its impact on students’ academic outcomes.

The Commission has invited educators, telecommunications operators, civil society organisations, and members of the public to submit evidence-based recommendations to help shape the final framework. Interested stakeholders are required to send their submissions in PDF format to [email protected] on or before July 9.

The NCC said the consultation is designed to ensure the programme promotes digital inclusion while maintaining fair market competition and preserving the principles of net neutrality.

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The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, as part of efforts to ensure that ongoing investments in basic education translate into fully functional schools that deliver quality learning to Nigerian children.

Speaking during the inauguration, Alausa said the committee’s responsibility goes beyond monitoring infrastructure projects, stressing that its primary objective is to ensure completed schools are fully equipped, adequately staffed, and opened for academic activities.

According to the minister, the committee will oversee the completion of outstanding projects, ensure the provision of furniture and learning equipment, facilitate access to essential utilities, and support the deployment of teachers to the schools.

He said education remains a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as critical to economic development, youth empowerment, and national unity.

Alausa noted that although many UBEC projects have reached advanced stages of construction, several have yet to be completed or handed over for use.

“Every day a completed school remains locked is another day thousands of Nigerian children are denied access to quality education,” he said.

The minister urged members of the committee to work closely with UBEC, state governments, State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEBs), and contractors to remove implementation bottlenecks and ensure the schools become operational as quickly as possible.

He added that the committee’s performance would be measured by the number of schools successfully opened and functioning, rather than the number of meetings held or reports produced.

Providing an update on the projects, UBEC Executive Secretary, Aisha Garba, disclosed that 37 Smart Schools have been established nationwide, with 24 already operational and the remaining schools at different stages of completion.

She also revealed that under the UBEC-Islamic Development Bank Bilingual Education Programme, 30 bilingual schools have been established across nine states, while three boarding schools have been completed and commissioned. Four additional boarding schools, she said, are nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated.

Garba added that significant progress has also been recorded in curriculum development, teacher training, textbook production and the procurement of ICT and technical equipment needed to support learning in the new schools.

She noted that the Alternative Schools Programme continues to expand educational opportunities for out-of-school and vulnerable children across Nigeria.

According to her, the newly inaugurated committee will strengthen project implementation by improving oversight, resolving challenges affecting project delivery and enhancing collaboration among relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

The Federal Government said the initiative forms part of its broader commitment to improving access to quality basic education and ensuring that investments in the education sector produce measurable outcomes for learners nationwide.

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The beneficiaries, who emerged as the top matriculating students from the 2025 admission exercise, each received ₦5 million at the maiden Rite Foods National Academic Excellence Awards held on Tuesday at the Civic Centre, Lagos.

The award recognised the best-performing admitted candidates from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, as well as one outstanding student from the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group for persons with disabilities.

According to the organisers, the recipients were selected through a rigorous merit-based process that assessed their performances in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), and their respective post-UTME or institutional screening exercises.

The seven award recipients are Orzekor Godwin, a Software Engineering student at the Federal University of Technology, Minna; Vincent Daniel, a Medicine and Surgery student at the University of Maiduguri; Luka Miendwas, a Software Engineering student at the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia; Joshua Chidiebere, a Software Engineering student at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; James Victor, a Medicine and Surgery student at the University of Uyo; Okeke Christian, a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Lagos; and Ogunsua-Dixon Tijesuni, a Mass Communication student at the University of Lagos.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, represented by his aide, Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, said the Federal Government remains committed to promoting an education system that rewards excellence, hard work and integrity.

He noted that recognising exceptional students is essential to producing graduates capable of competing on the global stage and driving national development.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, described the initiative as a landmark programme because it rewards students who not only performed well in the UTME but also met all admission requirements to secure places in Nigerian universities.

According to him, the award goes beyond celebrating high UTME scores by recognising candidates whose overall academic performance, including their SSCE and post-UTME results, earned them admission.

“There are many candidates with excellent UTME scores who are not eventually admitted because they do not meet other admission requirements. This initiative celebrates students who successfully gained admission based on their overall academic excellence, and that is what makes it unique,” Oloyede said.

Managing Director of Rite Foods Limited, Saleem Adegunwa, announced that the company would sustain the initiative by committing ₦35 million annually to reward outstanding matriculating students across Nigeria.

He said the programme is designed to encourage academic excellence, inspire students to pursue educational success and demonstrate that hard work and discipline deserve recognition.

Adegunwa added that the transparent selection process, coordinated by JAMB, ensured that only the most deserving candidates emerged as winners based on their aggregate academic performance.

He noted that beyond rewarding excellence, the initiative seeks to motivate more young Nigerians to strive for academic distinction while supporting exceptional students as they begin their university education.

The maiden award ceremony attracted senior government officials, education stakeholders, university administrators, students and industry leaders, many of whom described the partnership between JAMB and Rite Foods as a significant step towards promoting meritocracy and strengthening the culture of academic excellence in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

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Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee in Abuja.

According to the minister, the current policy separating junior and senior secondary education has failed to achieve its objectives and has instead created barriers that prevent millions of children from progressing beyond primary school.

Alausa revealed that Nigeria currently has about 80,000 public primary schools but only around 15,000 junior secondary schools, creating a significant gap in access to basic education.

“We have over 20 million children dropping out between primary school and junior secondary school. We also discovered that we have 80,000 public primary schools and only about 15,000 junior secondary schools. That one-to-eight ratio is unacceptable,” he said.

The minister explained that the shortage of junior secondary schools has led to overcrowded classrooms, while many senior secondary schools remain underutilised.

He described the JSS-SSS structure, introduced in 1982 under the 6-3-3-4 education system, as a policy that has failed to deliver its intended objectives.

“This disarticulation policy has failed. We will phase it out because our priority is to do what is best for every Nigerian child, not to preserve an administrative arrangement that is no longer working,” Alausa stated.

He disclosed that the proposal to abolish the policy would be presented at the next meeting of the National Council on Education for consideration and approval.

The minister said the reform is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to improve access to education, reduce the number of out-of-school children and strengthen learning outcomes across the country.

Alausa also raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing learning poverty, revealing that three out of every four children at the basic education level cannot read and understand an age-appropriate text by the age of 10.

Speaking at the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC Roundtable on Digital Resources for Learning Outcomes, he described the statistics as alarming and called for urgent reforms.

“Learning poverty means that by the age of 10, a child cannot read and understand an age-appropriate text. In Nigeria today, three out of every four children are learning poor. That is simply unacceptable,” he said.

To tackle the challenge, the minister urged state governments to embrace digital learning solutions already developed by the Federal Government, including the Nigeria Learning Passport, Inspire, Ignite, EduRevamp, E-Learn, the Greenfield Learning Management System and virtual classroom platforms.

He stressed that technology would play a critical role in transforming teaching and learning across Nigeria, particularly in rural communities with limited access to quality education.

According to Alausa, the proposed reforms are aimed at ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality education and better learning opportunities, regardless of their location.

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A 16-year-old student has made history after setting an impressive record during Nigeria’s first-ever participation in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL), proving that swimming is more than just a sport—it’s a life-saving skill.

Munachi Odulukwe, an SS2 student of Emerald High School, Asese, Ogun State, emerged as the overall best swimmer in the Dead Man Float Challenge, staying afloat in water for an astonishing 1 hour, 21 minutes and 7 seconds.

The feat was achieved during the 17th edition of the global swimming event, organised by Swim in 1 Day Africa (SID Africa), a non-governmental organisation promoting water safety with the theme “Swimming Lessons Save Lives”.

Hundreds of students participated in survival swimming lessons and competitions designed to teach practical skills that can help prevent drowning.

The Dead Man Float is a basic survival technique that allows a person to stay afloat during emergencies by using the body’s natural buoyancy while making very little movement. It helps swimmers conserve energy until help arrives.

Odulukwe’s remarkable performance earned her first place ahead of Chinwendu Okoye, who finished second with a time of 41 minutes and 21 seconds, while 12-year-old Toni Ajayi came third with 13 minutes and 15 seconds.

Speaking after her victory, Odulukwe admitted that the challenge tested both her body and mind.

“Spending over one hour in the water was stressful, but I was determined to finish,” she said. “Swimming is a skill that can save lives when there is danger.”

Second-place winner Okoye described the competition as one of the toughest she had ever experienced despite already knowing different swimming styles.

“I’ve practised butterfly and breaststroke before, but this challenge was completely different,” she said.

For Ajayi, the youngest among the top three finishers, the competition was an exciting first experience.

“I’m just starting, but I really enjoyed it,” she said, adding that swimming helps her stay fit and reduce stress.

The vice principal of Emerald High School, Samson Akano, praised the students for combining academic excellence with sporting achievement.

He said schools should encourage co-curricular activities because they help students develop important life skills alongside classroom learning.

Convener of SID Africa, Emeka Chuks-Nnadi, said the event was aimed at reducing drowning by teaching children survival swimming techniques.

He noted that many participants had never entered a swimming pool before the programme but gained confidence through the training.

“Swimming is beyond sport; it is a life-saving skill,” he said.

Chuks-Nnadi added that the organisation is also training visually impaired children and hopes to discover future Olympic and Paralympic swimmers through its programmes.

The event ended with certificates and scholarships presented to outstanding participants, celebrating not only their achievements but also their commitment to learning a skill that could one day save lives.

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Reading is a good habit that helps us gain knowledge and improve our vocabulary. It opens our minds to new ideas, teaches us about different people and places, and helps us perform better in school. Reading also improves our imagination, thinking skills, and confidence when speaking and writing. We can learn valuable lessons from storybooks, textbooks, newspapers, and magazines. Even reading for just a few minutes every day can make a big difference. Every student should make reading a daily habit because it helps us become smarter, more creative, and better prepared for the future.

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Hygiene is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect ourselves and those around us. It involves keeping our bodies, surroundings, food, and daily habits clean to prevent diseases and promote healthy living. Although some people see hygiene as just another routine, its importance cannot be overstated.

Maintaining personal hygiene begins with simple habits such as washing our hands regularly, brushing our teeth, bathing daily, wearing clean clothes, and keeping our surroundings tidy. These practices help prevent the spread of harmful germs that cause illnesses such as diarrhoea, malaria, and other infections. A clean body also boosts confidence and helps us interact better with others.

Good hygiene is especially important for students because a healthy student is more likely to concentrate, learn effectively, and participate actively in school activities. An untidy environment can attract pests and create conditions that allow diseases to spread quickly. Therefore, keeping our classrooms, homes, and public places clean is a responsibility we all share.

Hygiene is not just about looking neat; it is about protecting our health and showing consideration for others. Everyone has a role to play by avoiding littering, disposing of waste properly, and encouraging others to practise cleanliness.

In conclusion, maintaining good hygiene is a habit that should be part of our everyday lives. By taking small steps to stay clean, we can build healthier communities and create a safer future for everyone.

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Let me be clear from the start: I am not against education. Education is important. However, in today’s world, skills are even more important. If I had to choose one to survive, provide for my family, and build my future, I would choose skills. Here are my reasons.

Firstly, the world pays you for what you can do, not just for what you know. Mr Chairman, let us be honest. When was the last time a client asked to see your academic transcript? If you have a leaking roof, do you call someone with a PhD in civil engineering, or do you call a skilled roofer to fix it? Today, companies like Google, Tesla, and Meta have relaxed degree requirements for many roles because they recognise that practical skills matter. Degrees alone do not build apps or solve real-world problems.

Secondly, we must acknowledge the gap between what is taught in many educational institutions and the skills employers need. A study by the World Economic Forum found that many graduates lack essential workplace skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical competence.

Thirdly, technology and industries are changing at an incredible pace. Skills must be updated regularly to remain relevant, but educational curricula often take much longer to adapt to these changes.

In conclusion, both skill acquisition and formal education are important. However, skill acquisition is more closely aligned with the demands of today’s job market. I believe I have clearly shown that, while education has its place, practical skills are more valuable in preparing us for the future. Thank you for listening.

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Respect for elders is one of the important values passed down from generation to generation. It means showing kindness, honour, and appreciation to older people because of their experience, wisdom, and contributions to society. A community where respect exists is often one where people live in peace and harmony.

Elders have gained valuable knowledge through their life experiences. Listening to their advice can help younger people avoid mistakes and make better decisions. Their guidance often encourages, especially during difficult times. Respecting elders does not mean young people should not express their opinions; rather, it means communicating with politeness and understanding.

One major benefit of respecting elders is that it promotes strong relationships between generations. When young people treat older people with kindness, trust is built and families become stronger. Respect also helps develop important qualities such as humility, patience, discipline, and responsibility.

In schools and communities, respect for elders creates a peaceful environment where people can cooperate. Students who learn to respect teachers, parents, and other older members of society are more likely to develop positive attitudes that will benefit them throughout life.

However, respect should be shown through actions, not just words. Simple gestures such as greeting elders politely, helping them when needed, and valuing their opinions can make a big difference.

In conclusion, respect for elders is a valuable virtue that strengthens society. By appreciating the older generation and learning from their wisdom, we can build stronger families, healthier communities, and a better future for everyone.

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Meta, the company behind Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, has introduced more safety features to help teenagers enjoy a safer online experience.

The announcement was made on Thursday at the Nigeria Youth Safety Summit held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The event, organised by Meta in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, brought together government officials, parents, teachers, content creators and youth leaders to discuss how young people can stay safe while using social media.

A major highlight of the summit was Teen Accounts, a special feature designed for teenagers using Meta’s apps. The accounts come with built-in safety settings that are automatically switched on to help protect young users online.

Some of these features include private accounts by default, stricter messaging settings, limits on who can tag or mention teens, restrictions on sensitive content, reminders to take a break after 60 minutes of daily use, and a sleep mode that mutes notifications between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

For teenagers under the age of 16, parents must approve any changes to make these safety settings less strict.

Speaking at the summit, Meta’s Head of Safety Policy for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Sylvia Musalagani, said the company is committed to creating age-appropriate online spaces where teenagers can safely learn, connect and express themselves.

“Our goal is to provide teens with safe online experiences while giving parents the tools they need to support them,” she said.

Meta also showcased new parental supervision tools that allow parents to play a more active role in their children’s online activities. These tools let parents receive notifications when their teenager reports harmful content, monitor the people they message, set daily time limits for Instagram, and schedule screen-free periods during the day or at night.

The summit also featured discussions with parents, educators and digital creators on the importance of teaching children responsible internet use. A special session for parents focused on practical ways to guide young people as they spend more time online.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said protecting children online is a shared responsibility involving parents, government and technology companies.

She stressed that while digital platforms should provide safety tools, parents also have an important role in guiding their children and helping them make safe choices on the internet.

Also speaking, Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande said digital skills and online safety must go hand in hand. He encouraged Meta to make its educational resources available to more young Nigerians so they can learn how to stay safe while using the internet.

The summit ended with a call for stronger collaboration among families, schools, government agencies and technology companies to ensure that young people can enjoy the benefits of the digital world without putting their safety at risk.

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