NDPC Launches First-of-Its-Kind Privacy Fellowship Programme to Build Data Protection Experts
The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has inaugurated a new Privacy Fellowship Programme aimed at strengthening professional capacity in data protection and privacy governance in Nigeria.
The six-month residency programme, developed in partnership with the Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), is designed to train privacy professionals and deepen expertise within the country’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Olatunji commended DKIPPI, led by its President Mr. Tokunbo Smith, for its commitment to advancing data protection standards. He described the initiative as a pioneering effort, noting that it is the first fellowship programme of its kind introduced by a Data Protection Authority globally.
He charged the selected fellows to take full advantage of the opportunity, emphasizing the increasing global demand for Data Protection Officers and the growing importance of privacy compliance across sectors.
Dr. Olatunji reaffirmed the NDPC’s commitment to developing globally competitive human capital in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He urged participants to engage deeply with emerging trends in data governance and contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria’s privacy ecosystem.
In his remarks, Mr. Tokunbo Smith praised the NDPC for its leadership in data governance reforms and encouraged the fellows to build strong foundational knowledge in data protection principles, regulatory frameworks, and digital ethics.
As part of its support for the programme, the NDPC announced the provision of free Virtual Privacy Academy vouchers, alongside training and certification opportunities for all fellows as Data Protection Officers.
The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to capacity building, regulatory compliance, and the overall maturity of Nigeria’s data protection landscape.
NDPC Launches First-of-Its-Kind Privacy Fellowship Programme to Build Data Protection Experts