In a bold move to equip citizens with vital online safety skills, the Nigerian government has launched the Data Protection Virtual Academy, an initiative designed to educate the public on data protection and privacy in today’s digital world.
Unveiled on Tuesday during a major African data protection conference in Abuja (NADPA), the new free academy is designed for civil servants, private sector workers, and job seekers — anyone interested in learning how to stay safe online.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, during the launch described the academy as the first of its kind globally. “This platform gives every Nigerian access to practical training on data protection and basic online safety,” he said. “It’s a bold and innovative step toward building a digitally secure and globally competitive workforce.”
Through the virtual platform, Nigerians can learn how to guard against scams, create strong passwords, understand data privacy rights, and keep sensitive information safe when using digital platforms.
The initiative is being led by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), which says the goal is to make digital security a national habit, not just a policy.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented at the event by Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia, said Nigeria’s progress in data protection reflects its dedication to both innovation and privacy.
“We are showing the world that protecting privacy doesn’t hold back progress — it powers it,” he said, noting that Nigeria’s laws now align with global standards.
NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, also called on African countries to work more closely together to build a safer digital future for the continent. “This academy is part of a bigger plan to strengthen trust and cooperation across Africa in the digital space,” he said.
The launch took place at the 8th edition of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities Conference and Annual General Meeting, which gathered experts from across Africa to discuss how to balance innovation with privacy in an age of fast-growing technology.
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