The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in collaboration with the Port Harcourt Chapter of ISACA, has hosted the sixth edition of the Digital Privacy Awareness Campaign (DPAC) at Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, as part of efforts to promote data privacy awareness among Nigerian youths and strengthen digital trust across tertiary institutions.
The campaign highlights the Commission’s commitment to building a privacy-conscious generation through strategic partnerships, youth engagement, and sustained awareness initiatives aimed at equipping students with knowledge of data protection and digital rights.
Nigeria Emerges as Global Player in Data Protection-NDPC
The event was declared open by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who was represented by Mr. Oluwatimilehin Agboola of the Commission’s Research, Development and Innovation Department.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Agboola disclosed that the Commission has established 17 Data Privacy Clubs across universities in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones as part of efforts to institutionalise privacy education in higher institutions.
He further revealed that the Data Privacy Ambassador Programme has expanded, with more than 2,500 student ambassadors currently serving in 85 tertiary institutions nationwide to promote responsible data handling and privacy awareness.
According to him, the NDPC remains committed to empowering young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the digital space safely while fostering a culture of compliance with data protection regulations.
The President of ISACA Port Harcourt Chapter, Ms. Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, delivered the welcome address and presented a keynote session titled, “From Campus to Career: Opportunities, Certifications and Scholarships in the Data Privacy and Digital Trust Ecosystem.”
During her presentation, she exposed participants to various career opportunities in the data privacy and digital trust ecosystem, highlighting professional certifications, scholarships, and emerging career pathways available to students interested in the field.
She encouraged students to take advantage of the growing demand for data protection professionals, stressing that digital privacy has become a critical component of modern governance, business, and technological innovation.
The event also featured goodwill messages from the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, Ms. Aleruchi Akani, who reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote digital literacy and responsible technology use.
BPP, NDPC Move to Safeguard Nigeria’s Digital Procurement Assets
Also delivering goodwill remarks was the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Onos Sirawoo, represented by the Deputy Director of Enlightenment, Ms. Joy Owhonda-Sarima, alongside the Head of the Department of Computer Engineering at Rivers State University, Dr. Boma Lucklyn, who commended the initiative for exposing students to the importance of data privacy and digital trust in today’s technology-driven world.
The sixth edition of the Digital Privacy Awareness Campaign concluded with renewed calls for sustained collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and professional bodies to strengthen data protection awareness and prepare Nigerian students for emerging opportunities in the global digital economy.