FG Launches Scheme to Empower Teachers with Mobile Devices, Free Data

The Federal Government has launched a nationwide initiative to provide teachers with subsidised mobile devices and free data access, aimed at enhancing digital learning, professional development, and classroom delivery.

Unveiled on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Education, the scheme will initially benefit 8,000 teachers across the six geopolitical zones from December 2025 to July 2026. It is being implemented with technical support from the UK-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) initiative, under the Education Public-Private Partnership (ePPP) framework and the National Digital Learning Policy (NDLP).

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the scheme as “a transformative step toward building a digitally competent teaching workforce,” adding that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s education reform agenda. He emphasised that the government is committed to bridging the digital divide by providing teachers with the tools and zero-rated data required to improve learning outcomes.

Teachers participating in the scheme will have free access to the federal government’s eLearn platform and accredited digital resources through zero-rated data from partner telecoms and Internet Exchange providers.

The Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Dr. Ronke Soyombo, hailed the initiative as a milestone for teacher empowerment, noting that it would accelerate digital inclusion, continuous professional development, and education quality nationwide.

Dr. Alausa also inaugurated the Ministerial Implementation Committee on ePPP for Zero Data and Devices, comprising representatives from the Ministry, UBEC, TRCN, telecom firms, and EdTech platforms. The committee is tasked with developing a pilot cost plan, verifying participating teachers and schools, and submitting a final impact report to guide a nationwide scale-up by July 2026.