The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) has rejected the Federal Government‘s proposed 100 megabytes daily data package for students in public secondary and tertiary institutions, describing the initiative as “tokenistic and ridiculous” and demanding unlimited internet access for students.

The group, in a statement signed by its Deputy National Coordinator, Ogunjimi Isaac, and National Mobilisation Officer, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, said the proposed allocation was inadequate to achieve the government’s stated objective of giving students access to educational websites and digital learning platforms.

ERC argued that 100MB of data per day was too small, particularly as students are expected to use the internet to access educational materials, adding that the initiative would do little to address the challenges posed by the high cost of internet access.

“Considering that the acclaimed data package is an initiative to provide students access to educational materials, one would expect a holistic approach which would clearly achieve this aim,” the group said.

It called on the government to provide unlimited data packages for students in public schools, arguing that this would prevent the rising cost of internet access from restricting students’ access to digital learning.

The campaign, however, said free internet access should be accompanied by massive investment in information and communication technology centres and other digital facilities across schools.

It also urged the government to provide digital devices to students at heavily subsidised rates, noting that high inflation and the rising cost of living had left many students unable to afford internet-enabled devices.

ERC said, “Our call for an unlimited internet access package for all students is only a first step towards resolving the problem. There is a need for massive investment in ICT centres and facilities in schools to aid digital learning and development of students and educational workers.”

The group also criticised the high cost of internet services in Nigeria, accusing network providers of imposing what it described as “extortionist fees” while delivering poor services.

It also faulted the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for what it described as silence over the cost and quality of telecommunications services.

According to ERC, students and working Nigerians continue to face frustrating internet services despite the rising cost of communication and data services.

The campaign further called for the nationalisation of the telecommunications sector and its democratic management by workers, arguing that the sector should prioritise service delivery rather than profit.

It also demanded increased government funding for education and greater participation of students, parents and education workers in decision-making processes within educational institutions.