By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The Federal Government’s proposed 100MB daily free data initiative has sparked mixed reactions among students.
In a vox pop by a PersecondNews correspondent, students welcomed the 100MB daily data plan as a much-needed buffer against soaring internet costs, though many argued the cap is far too small for virtual classes and research.
Students, including Philip Chonomwe from the National Open University, noted that while the timely intervention helps cover basic online tasks, broader access will be essential for heavy academic workloads.
“It’s a good initiative, especially now that things are very difficult. As students of the National Open University, we rely on the internet for most of our day-to-day academic activities,” he told PerSecondNews in Abuja on Friday.
He noted that the intervention would provide some relief for students whose studies require regular internet access and who have to manage the cost alongside other academic expenses.
“It is a welcome development, just like the NERFUND initiative, because it will help students who depend on the internet for their studies,” he added.
Daniel Olanipekun, another student, pointed to the growing reliance on online platforms for routine academic activities, making internet access an important part of students’ studies.
“Nowadays, everything is online, and students need data to register, check their courses and access their academic platforms. Lack of data can be a very annoying factor,” he stressed.
According to Olanipekun, the usefulness of the allocation would depend partly on the activities students are permitted to undertake with the data.
“At least, if it is only educational sites that we can access with the data, then 100MB can be useful for students,” he told PersecondNews.
For Miss Alexandra, a media scholar, she focused on the financial pressure created by rising data costs, particularly for families already struggling to meet students’ other needs.
“Buying data nowadays, the price is just crazy. It is even difficult for normal workers, so you can imagine a student whose parents are still struggling to provide pocket money.”
She noted that the proposed allocation could assist with basic academic activities but would be inadequate for students who need data for online classes.
“If the 100MB is just for a normal student to check updates, it will help. But if it is for classes, 100MB can really not do anything,” she noted.
The reactions from the students also prompted PersecondNews to seek the position of the National Association of Nigerian Students on the initiative.
NANS President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, told PSN:”I will revert to you on the matter.”
PerSecondNews recalls that the Federal Government had on Thursday launched the Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, with the intervention designed to remove data costs from access to approved educational platforms and content.
Education Minister Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa said the initiative would help ensure that poverty, geography and connectivity costs do not determine access to quality learning.
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