Nexford University, a new-generation digital approach to university learning, has announced a data program that will enable its students to study easily remotely while accessing any important learning tools. The new program which promises 7.5GB of free data each month for the next six months will be open to every learner who enrols to Nexford’s higher education program.

MTN will be providing the data under their ‘Sponsored Data’ program. The program is tailored such that businesses bear the charges of data used by customers when visiting their sites and apps. So once a business has bought a data pack from MTN, all its customers on the MTN network can enjoy accessing apps, or web services without requiring to buy their own data or being charged.

Based in Washington DC, Nexford University describes their learning model as competency-based. Everything is online, and once enrolled you’ll be able to take courses, chat with peers and faculty, submit assignments, receive feedback, and track your grades all through a portal.

Because Nexford is a 100% online university, learners – who are just as likely to come from a remote village in the Philippines or India as they are a city like Lagos or Cairo – rely totally on data or an internet connection to study.

The move by the university to offer free data is aimed at getting young Nigerians to use their time in lockdown productively; by getting better qualified and improving their job prospects. Incoming students can choose from the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Associate of Applied Science in Business (AAS), or shorter higher education certificates in business-related fields such as leadership, marketing or finance.

Olamidun Majekodunmi, Nexford’s Nigerian country manager says: “The recent stay-at-home orders have brought about a massive spike in the amount of data Nigerians are consuming, we know many of them are looking for affordable ways to stay connected, engaged and productive. With MTN Sponsored Data, our learners have 24/7 access to their coursework, classmates in every corner of the world, and the very latest world-class business thinking, without ever leaving their home.”

Nexford says they are committed to collaborating with organizations aligned with their mission. The university has partnered with IBM, Sterling Bank and Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs. Through other partnerships, Nexford learners will also enjoy free access to LinkedIn Learning and IBM’s Digital – Nation Africa.

On MTN’s part, Nexford’s quest neatly dovetails with their mission to enable social-economic mobility and on their commitment to improving the quality of life in sub-Saharan Africa.

MTN’s Chairman of the Board, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe recently spoke at a Nexford University online webinar on The Role of IT and Communications in the Development of Nations. Dr. Ndukwe says: “All sectors of the economy including education depend heavily on information and communications technology as enablers and this would be the same for the foreseeable future.’’

Find out more: https://www.nexford.org/mtn