The Academy has been officially affiliated with the International University of Information Management (IUIM), Colorado, USA, and has received full accreditation from the Institute of Information Management (IIM), Africa for its Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technology Certification and Masterclass programs.

With these affiliations, all training programs at Cihan Digital Academy, including its Masterclass series, will now offer internationally certified credentials recognized worldwide. This development underscores the Academy’s commitment to setting global standards in AI and digital technology education.

In a letter dated January 8, 2025, Mr. John Montana, Director of Programs at IUIM, confirmed the approval, stating:

“Following a thorough review of your proposed collaboration framework, curriculum structure, and alignment with our educational standards, IUIM is pleased to endorse and affiliate with Cihan Digital Academy. This affiliation reflects our commitment to ensuring that the Artificial Intelligence and digital technology programs offered by your institution meet global standards of excellence and relevance.”

Similarly, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, international president of IIM Africa, praised the Academy for its innovative TABS-D Framework and its focus on practical applications tailored to Africa’s digital needs.

Speaking on the achievement, Mr. Celestine Achi, Chief AI and Digital Communication Strategist at Cihan Digital Academy and CEO of Cihan Media Group, stated:

“We are excited to partner with IUIM, a globally recognized institution for training information managers, and to receive accreditation from IIM Africa. This is a testament to our commitment to democratizing AI and digital education in Africa. This recognition motivates us to continue expanding access to high-quality AI and digital training, particularly in this era of transformative technological disruptions.”

Adding her perspective, Thelma Okoh, co-fouder of Cihan Digital Academy, emphasized the transformative potential of AI:

“AI has become a game-changer, transforming industries and revolutionizing how we work and live. To remain relevant and thrive in this AI-driven world, individuals need to unlearn outdated skills, relearn foundational skills, and learn AI-specific knowledge and emerging technologies. Cihan Digital Academy, with affiliations to global institutions, offers the opportunity to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies, master AI tools, and gain hands-on experience. By embracing this unlearning, relearning, and learning mindset, individuals can effectively adapt to the AI-driven world and unlock new opportunities for growth and success.”

Orimolade Oluwamuyemi Alexander, co-founder of TellitNG, echoed the importance of accredited training, stating:

“As AI and digital technology rapidly evolve, accredited and globally recognized training programs are crucial. Cihan Digital Academy’s recent affiliations highlight its commitment to top-tier education and equipping professionals with essential skills. We urge stakeholders to support institutions like Cihan Digital Academy leading this digital transformation.”

Mr. Achi also called on governments, private sector players, educational institutions, and individuals to embrace AI as a critical tool for competing effectively in the global economy.

The Academy remains committed to shaping Africa’s digital future through innovative programs, partnerships, and tools designed to prepare professionals for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career, acquire globally recognized credentials, or become a leader in digital innovation, the Academy is here to support your journey.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of NDPC, who said this on Monday while presenting licence to IIM in Abuja, said granting of the licence was part of the commission’s measures to implement Executive Order 003 and 005.

Olatunji added that certifying data protection professionals in the country would reduce capital flight, create over 500,000 jobs in the sector, and encourage more people to be certified.

Promoting local content

While a few Nigerians with expertise in data protection had their training and certification abroad, Olatunji said having an institute to train and certify Nigerians locally would boost local content in the sector.

“We are trying to ensure the implementation of Executive Orders 003 and 005 to promote local content in Nigeria. Most of us who are certified data protection officers have international certifications; we paid some dollars to write exams as well as maintain the certificates. We are trying to domesticate this in Nigeria by having a national certification process” Olatunji said.

The NDPC National Commissioner said that with the size of Nigeria’s population, the country needs over 500,000 certified data protection officers. And if prospective candidates are to pay for the certifying examination in dollars, it will lead to capital flight.

Expansion to Africa

Olatunji also said that the commission is considering adopting the licensing across Africa. According to him, the Commission is working towards having a pan-African initiative, whereby data professionals have the national certification that is being offered in Nigeria and can also practice in any part of Africa.

“It is a way of creating jobs for our people, reducing capital flight, and developing global human capital in the data protection ecosystem” Olatunji said.

He explained the Commission have also gone further to develop the training model which is unique to the organization and will be used by trainers in Nigeria.

He added that the licensing would also create jobs for already licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), who would be accredited to train prospective professionals to sit for data protection examinations.

According to him, the national data protection certification will be a historic legacy that will transcend administrations and meet global standards.

Speaking on the licence, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, the President of the Institute of Information Management, recalled that the certification process commenced in 2021.

He said the licence would bridge the gap in the data protection ecosystem. Oyewole assured Nigerians of the institute’s commitment to be the best in the education system of data protection in the country.