Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has urged the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure strict compliance with data privacy regulations across Nigeria’s education sector to protect personal information and bolster the nation’s digital infrastructure.
National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, issued the call during a working visit to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad.
Dr. Olatunji highlighted a significant compliance gap in how educational institutions manage sensitive data, noting that while data underpins President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adherence to protection laws remains low in the sector.
“The significance of data protection cannot be overemphasized as Nigeria transitions to a digital economy,” Dr. Olatunji stated, calling on the Ministry to lead efforts in regulatory compliance.
He outlined NDPC initiatives to raise awareness, including the Digital Privacy Awareness Campaign, Data Privacy Clubs in universities, the Secondary School Data Challenge, and the Adopt-A-School programme, which reached about 8,000 students during National Privacy Week.
The NDPC boss urged the Minister to leverage his office for sector-wide enforcement.
Dr. Olatunji offered free induction training for Ministry staff, Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers, and spots in a free certification programme. A joint working group was established to drive implementation.
In response, Dr. Alausa acknowledged that data protection has often been approached with levity but affirmed alignment with the government’s goal of producing 50 million digitally literate citizens.
“It is high time all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies prioritise data protection,” Dr. Alausa said, pledging commitment to elevate schools and educational bodies to global standards.
