The Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to train 5,000 youths on data privacy and protection.
This initiative aligns with the 8 presidential priorities and the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Tinubu, aimed at fostering job creation and youth development.
During the signing ceremony, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Engr. Ayodele Olawande highlighted the employment and wealth creation opportunities being spearheaded by the NDPC under the leadership of national commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji. “At least 80 per cent of human capital development under the President’s administration is focused on youths. This initiative will equip 5,000 young people with technical skills for new jobs in the data protection ecosystem,” Olawande stated.
Olatunji emphasised the importance of data protection in attracting foreign investment, noting that Nigeria’s ability to demonstrate accountability regarding data assets would boost investor confidence. He further explained that Nigeria has about 500,000 data controllers, each required to have a data protection officer, opening up approximately 500,000 new job opportunities for the youth.
Additionally, Olatunji assured that the certification process would not burden Nigeria’s foreign exchange, as a licensed local certification body will issue globally recognised certificates to trainees.
Permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya lauded the NDPC’s efforts on data privacy and protection. In a statement by NDPC’s head of legal, enforcement and regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, Olusanya affirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the success of the collaboration.
