In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and the 8 Presidential Priorities, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to train 5,000 youths on Data Privacy and Protection.
During the signing ceremony, Engr. Ayodele Olawande, minister of State for Youth Development, commended the initiative, along with the opportunities being created for jobs and wealth creation by NDPC under the leadership of the National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji.
“No less than 80% of human capital development under the administration of the President is targeted at youths and this initiative is aimed at equipping 5,000 youths with the requisite technical skills for new jobs in the data protection ecosystem,” the Minister said.
While explaining the importance of the training, Dr Olatunji emphasized the importance of building trust and confidence as Nigeria repositions her economy to attract foreign direct investment.
“Investors will be eager to do business in Nigeria if we are able to demonstrate accountability in relation to their data assets. There are at least 500,000 data controllers in Nigeria who are required to have at least one data protection officer each. Nigerian youths now have a great opportunity to become professionals to take up the estimated 500,000 new jobs in the ecosystem.
“In addition, we are also making sure that the subsequent certification will not be a burden on our foreign exchange. We have already licensed an in-country certification body that will issue globally recognized certificates to eligible trainees.” Dr. Olatunji stated.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, lauded NDPC for its quest for data privacy and protection and asserted the preparedness of the Ministry to set the necessary machinery in motion in order to make the collaboration a success.
