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FG, Data.Org Partner to Launch Responsible Data Management Course for Public Servants

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Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in collaboration with Data.Org has launched a Responsible Data Management Course, a free online course resource targeted at equipping public servants with the fundamentals of ethical data management.

It bridges the theoretical aspects of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 with practical knowledge of data rights and responsibilities, helping public servants navigate data management complexities and mitigate vulnerabilities in public service.

“This partnership between the NDPC and Data.Org is the first in a series of engagements that we have planned to equip civil servants responsible for data management with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate and engage in a rapidly developing work environment that is being enabled by the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure,” said Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy.

The Responsible Data Management Course is designed for Heads of IT, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Data Protection Officers (DPOs), IT & Cybersecurity Personnel, and Officers in roles that deal with data processing and privacy within Federal and State MDAs. This is regarded as a platform to train 10,000 public servants in data management.

The concise, self-paced online learning resource which is designed to be completed in just 2-3 hours, will be available in four (4) cohorts, ensuring broad accessibility and continuous learning opportunities. Certificates would be issued to participants at the completion of each cohort.

Registration begins May 28, 2024, via https://dmc.ndpc.gov.ng. The schedule is as follows:

– Cohort 1: June 19 – July 17, 2024
– Cohort 2: July 22 – August 17, 2024
– Cohort 3: August 19 – September 14, 2024
– Cohort 4: September 16 – October 12, 2024

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, NC/Chief Executive Officer, NDPC, stated, “The privacy issues arising from emerging technologies, which were not envisaged many years ago, are becoming increasingly prominent. Accordingly, we are implementing appropriate measures to enhance the capacity of Nigerians in the Data Protection ecosystem. The Responsible Data Management Course is one of such initiatives designed to equip Nigeria Public Servants with relevant skills to be globally competitive.”

Dr. Uyi Stewart, Chief Data and Technological Officer, Data.Org, notes that the” Responsible Data Management Course provides public servants with foundational data science knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about data that reflect the practical tenets of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and helps them to understand the ethical handling of data, safeguarding the privacy and rights of individuals, as well as effective data governance.”

By delving into the principles of responsible data handling and the lifecycle of data management, this course equips public servants with the knowledge of regulatory requirements and the ethical frameworks that guide their application. This dual focus prepares public servants to make informed decisions that reflect both the letter and the spirit of the law, ensuring that their actions contribute positively to the trust and confidence in public institutions.

Responsible Data Management Course for Nigerian public servants underscores the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy’s commitment to advancing the digitization of public services and integrating technology into daily interactions.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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Group Advocates for Digital Rights at 2024 Internet Governance Forum

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Paradigm Initiative (PIN), a leading pan-African organisation dedicated to advancing digital rights and inclusion in the Global South, has made significant contributions to the just-concluded 2024 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PIN’s participation in the prestigious global event underscores the organisation’s commitment to fostering inclusive digital policies and ensuring that Africa’s voices are central in global discussions about the future of the internet.

During the week-long forum, PIN team members played key roles in numerous sessions, emphasising the importance of a digital rights perspective in the development of emerging technologies, advocating for a more inclusive digital future, and addressing the specific challenges the African continent faces in terms of digital access and inclusion.

PIN Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan, spoke at high-profile sessions, including the Leadership Panel on ‘The Internet We Want’, which outlined the vision for a global internet that is accessible, secure, and inclusive.

At the Africa Youth IGF Parley, ‘Gbenga provided a platform for young Africans to address pressing issues such as internet restrictions, the digital divide, and digital rights violations.

Adeboye Adegoke, Senior Manager for Grants and Programmes Strategy at Paradigm Initiative, contributed to Open Forum #12, advocating for policies that ensure a rights-respecting and inclusive digital future. His discussions highlighted the importance of policies that place human rights at the core of technological advancements.

Ihueze Nwobilor, Senior Programmes Officer, spoke at the session, ‘A Rights-Respecting Approach to Emerging Tech Development,’ where he called for the prioritisation of human rights in the development and deployment of emerging technologies across Africa and beyond.

The organisation’s Senior Manager for Partnerships and Engagements, Thobekile Matimbe, shared valuable insights during the ‘Better Products and Policies Through Stakeholder Engagement’ session.

She emphasized the role of the private sector in engaging with local communities to ensure that digital products and policies are inclusive and meet the needs of vulnerable groups across Africa.

Bridgette Ndlovu, PIN Partnerships and Engagements Officer, moderated a session on ‘Implementation of the USF in 26 African Countries,’ where she and other speakers, including ‘Gbenga Sesan, discussed the crucial role of Universal Service Funds (USF) in advancing digital inclusion, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

PIN’s participation at IGF 2024 has been an important moment for advocating digital rights in Africa. “Paradigm Initiative’s participation was a powerful reminder that Africa’s digital future must be shaped by inclusive, rights-respecting policies.

“Our participation at the IGF is a continuous demonstration of the need for all stakeholders to collaborate in building a more inclusive and accessible internet for everyone, especially those in under-served communities,” PIN Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan stated.


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Patricia Technologies Begins Repayments to Customers Affected by 2022 Security Breach

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Lagos-based financial technology firm Patricia Technologies has commenced repayments to customers impacted by a 2022 security breach. This follows a two-year period where the company focused on recovering funds and rebuilding trust.

In 2022, Patricia experienced a significant cyberattack, resulting in the loss of over 600 million Naira from customer accounts. Following the breach, the company temporarily restricted withdrawals and collaborated with law enforcement, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including a prominent politician.

Patricia had previously requested a two-to-five-year repayment window, a plan that has now begun to be implemented. The company has started disbursing funds to affected customers in phases, with the first batch of payments initiated on December 10, 2024.

CEO Hanu Fejiro emphasized the company’s commitment to its customers, stating, “This repayment process represents a milestone in fulfilling our promise to make things right.”

He encouraged customers to update their information on the Patricia platform and monitor official channels for further updates on their individual repayment timelines.

Subscribers who are getting paid in this phase have since been officially notified by email. One of the subscribers, with initials BP (for purposes of confidentiality), expressed appreciation and satisfaction with being paid by Patricia via an email reaction: “I really appreciate your effort. Though it took a long time, I’m satisfied with what I’ve received. Thank you for keeping to your words.”


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From Niche App to Global Giant: TikTok’s Controversial Journey

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TikTok’s rise from a niche video-sharing app to a global social media giant has sparked controversies worldwide, with concerns over its links to China and its influence on users and politics.

In Albania, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Saturday that TikTok would be banned for at least a year starting in 2025.

The decision follows a tragic incident in Tirana where a 14-year-old was killed and another injured in a fight stemming from an online confrontation. Rama described TikTok as the “thug of the neighborhood.”

In Romania, the European Union is investigating whether TikTok played a role in far-right candidate Calin Georgescu’s unexpected first-round presidential election victory.

The probe focuses on alleged Russian interference and claims of “preferential treatment” by TikTok. This marks the platform’s third EU investigation, potentially risking fines of up to six percent of its global revenue.

TikTok stated it has implemented “robust actions” to combat election misinformation, while Russia denies meddling.

In the United States, TikTok faces mounting pressure after the government passed a law in April requiring ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, to divest from the platform by January 2025.

The U.S. claims TikTok allows China access to American user data, a claim TikTok denies. ByteDance admitted its employees had accessed U.S. user data but insisted it does not share information with Chinese authorities.

TikTok could face a nationwide ban if ByteDance fails to comply, threatening its 170 million U.S. users.

Australia recently enacted a landmark law banning under-16s from accessing social media, including TikTok, with hefty fines of up to AU$50 million for noncompliance.

TikTok expressed disappointment, warning the law could push young users to less regulated parts of the internet.

In Europe, TikTok was forced to remove an engagement feature in its TikTok Lite version after EU regulators raised concerns about its addictive nature.

The feature rewarded users aged 18 and older with points redeemable for goods based on time spent on the app.

TikTok also faces criticism for its role in spreading hazardous challenges, some of which have reportedly led to child deaths, such as the blackout challenge.

Disinformation remains a significant issue, with a study by NewsGuard revealing that one-fifth of videos on topical subjects like the Russia-Ukraine war contained misleading or false information.

Despite these controversies, TikTok remains a dominant force in social media, attracting creators and influencers worldwide.

Its powerful algorithm and innovative features have secured its place at the forefront of digital engagement.

However, the platform continues to grapple with mounting scrutiny over its practices and societal impact.

TikTok’s meteoric rise has reshaped the social media landscape, cementing its status as a global powerhouse with over 1.04 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2024.

This milestone, achieved in less than a decade, underscores TikTok’s unparalleled growth trajectory compared to platforms like Facebook and Instagram, which took significantly longer to reach similar heights.

In the United States alone, 170 million people actively use the app, contributing to its $16 billion U.S. revenue in 2023.

Globally, TikTok engages over a quarter of social media users and nearly one-fifth of internet users monthly, with U.S. adults spending an average of nearly an hour daily on the platform.

Its popularity is further evidenced by 137 million downloads in the first quarter of 2024.

Since its 2018 launch, TikTok has grown from 55 million users to over a billion, fueled by its dynamic algorithm and appeal across diverse demographics.


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