The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has expressed interest in partnering with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to provide training on data privacy and protection for Nigerians.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Olatunji said the proposed partnership would enhance digital skills acquisition among Corps Members and position them to take advantage of opportunities in the expanding digital economy.
According to him, the commission has identified about 500,000 data processors and controllers across the country who would require the services of certified data protection officers.
He noted that the data protection sector offers significant employment opportunities and aligns with the Federal Government’s job creation drive.
Under the proposed collaboration, Olatunji said the NDPC would provide free training for NYSC staff and grant access to its Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA). He added that 100 Corps Members in each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory would be trained and certified as Data Protection Officers.
“By law, it is mandatory for all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government to process data in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023,” he said.
Olatunji commended the NYSC as one of the most compliant Federal Government agencies in data protection and praised its contributions to the country’s socio-economic development since inception.
He emphasised the need for adequate safeguards to protect personal information shared online and advocated the appointment of data protection officers in all NYSC formations nationwide.
In his remarks, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described data protection and security as critical to building trust in the digital economy.
He welcomed the proposed collaboration and pledged to integrate the training into the Scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
Nafiu noted that Corps Members are active on social media but acknowledged gaps in data protection awareness, adding that the partnership would equip them to become advocates of responsible data use.
Both agencies agreed to set up a joint committee to fast-track the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure nationwide implementation of the partnership.
