“This Money Will Grow Wings” — Fury Over FG’s ₦180bn Free Data Scheme For Students

By Passman Akpos

The Federal Government’s announcement of an annual ₦180 billion sponsored-data scheme for five million Nigerian students has triggered heated reactions, with critics questioning the cost-effectiveness of the initiative and demanding greater transparency over how the funds will be deployed.

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the initiative on Thursday in Abuja during the official launch of the Zero-Rated Access to Education Platforms and Content programme, organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunications operators.

Under the programme, which is expected to commence on October 1, five million learners will reportedly receive 100 megabytes of sponsored data daily to access approved educational platforms.

According to the minister, the programme is estimated to cost ₦15 billion monthly and ₦180 billion annually, with the government describing the initiative as a major intervention aimed at removing data costs as a barrier to digital education.

Alausa argued that technology could transform mobile phones, tablets and computers into classrooms and libraries, particularly for students in underserved communities.

However, the announcement has generated sharp criticism from Nigerians who believe the enormous financial commitment could be deployed more directly toward solving Nigeria’s longstanding education-sector challenges.

One critic questioned the rationale behind the expenditure, asking:

“Who advised you to do this? Data of ₦1 billion can provide Internet access to complete ten schools for a year. I don’t understand how you came up with ₦180 billion to buy 100MB data each. Wow!”

Another reaction sarcastically described the initiative as “2027 election tactics,” suggesting that the timing and structure of the programme could have political implications ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

There were also concerns that such a huge allocation could be vulnerable to waste or poor implementation if adequate transparency and accountability mechanisms are not put in place.

“This money can be better deployed in the education sector. This money will develop wings after crediting a few,” another critic said.

The controversy centres not necessarily on the idea of providing students with affordable internet access, but on whether spending ₦180 billion every year on sponsored data represents the most effective way of improving education outcomes in a country still facing shortages of classrooms, teachers, laboratories, libraries, electricity and other basic learning infrastructure.

The Federal Government, however, maintains that the initiative is designed to address the growing importance of digital learning and reduce inequality in access to educational content.

Alausa said the programme aligns with the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI) and the digitised Nigeria Education Management Information System (D-NEMIS).

He disclosed that more than 240,000 schools had already been geomapped and geolocated nationwide, while the government is deploying the Learner’s Identification Number (LIN) to track students from primary through tertiary education.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, represented at the event by Adetunji Olugbenga, also defended the initiative, saying it would help bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said connectivity had become an essential component of modern education.

According to her, no learner should be denied access to educational resources because of family income or geographical location.

Private-sector technology stakeholders, including uLesson Group, also pledged technical support to ensure the quality and accessibility of participating educational platforms.

But as implementation approaches, questions remain over the ₦180 billion annual price tag.

Will the initiative genuinely transform learning for five million Nigerian students, or could the same money produce greater educational impact if invested in classrooms, teachers, school infrastructure, electricity, laboratories and affordable broadband infrastructure?

With the programme coming barely months before the 2027 election cycle intensifies, some Nigerians are also asking whether the government can provide sufficient transparency to demonstrate that the initiative is primarily an education intervention rather than a politically motivated spending programme.

For now, the debate is no longer simply about free data.

It is about ₦180 billion, value for money, accountability and what Nigerians should realistically expect from one of the country’s biggest annual education-related digital spending commitments.