By Emmanuel Ogbodo
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has announced plans to train 5,000 Nigerian youths as data protection professionals to promote job creation. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to equip young Nigerians with skills in high-demand sectors.
The Ministry formalised this plan by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). During the MoU signing, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, the Minister of State for Youth Development, expressed his optimism about the job and wealth creation potential from this collaboration. He noted that the initiative targets youth empowerment, which is a significant focus of the current administration’s human capital development efforts.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, highlighted the vast opportunities in Nigeria’s growing data protection ecosystem. With an estimated 500,000 data controllers in the country, each of whom is required to have a data protection officer, the demand for trained professionals is increasing rapidly. The training program aims to prepare Nigerian youths to fill these roles and help drive the country’s digital economy forward.
To further develop local expertise, the NDPC has licensed the Institute of Information Management (IIM) to conduct examinations and provide certifications for data protection professionals. This move ensures that training and certification can be done locally, reducing dependence on foreign institutions and lowering the cost associated with certification, all while promoting globally recognized credentials for Nigerian professionals.
Dr. Olatunji also stressed that proper data protection mechanisms would enhance investor confidence, as businesses require assurance that their data assets are being managed responsibly. The initiative is seen as a step towards strengthening Nigeria’s economy and positioning the country as a trusted destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
