…Targets 5,000 Trainees by December, One Million Long-Term-Youth Minister
By Joel Ajayi
In a decisive move to equip young Nigerians with vital digital skills and ensure the nation’s resilience in a data-driven age, the Federal Government has launched the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) programme at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
With the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Youth at the Frontline of Data Protection,” the initiative signals a renewed national commitment to safeguarding data privacy, expanding digital literacy, and creating job opportunities through the emerging data protection ecosystem.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, who led the launch, described YDPAT as a strategic initiative aimed at empowering Nigerian youth to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital society.
“Digital technologies offer vast opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, and creativity. But they also expose our young people to serious risks — from identity theft to data misuse,” Olawande noted.
Highlighting that Nigeria currently has fewer than 5,000 certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) serving over 500,000 data controllers nationwide, the Minister underscored the programme’s employment potential.
“By training young Nigerians to become certified DPOs, we are not just preparing them for the jobs of the future — we are addressing a real and growing industry need,” he said.
Olawande explained that awareness of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 remains low among youth, and YDPAT was designed to address that gap by:
Training young people to meet the growing demand for certified DPOs
Raising awareness on NDPA 2023 and international data privacy standards
Building a digitally literate, security-conscious generation
“This initiative is about building a privacy-first generation that is inclusive, future-focused, and globally competitive,” he added.
The Minister commended the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for its partnership, and acknowledged the support of youth leaders, civil society organizations, and development agencies in shaping the programme.
Speaking at the launch, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, emphasized the Presidency’s full backing for YDPAT.
“This partnership shows that when institutions align behind a shared goal, youth empowerment accelerates and national development gains momentum. But passion alone isn’t enough — our youth must be equipped with future-relevant, adaptive skills,” she said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, outlined the Commission’s capacity-building plans, including the licensing of the Institute of Information Management to issue globally recognized certifications for DPOs — a move aimed at reducing reliance on foreign certification bodies and strengthening local capacity.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, Hon. Stanley Adedeji Olajide, described the initiative as a key step in operationalizing the NDPA 2023.
“Data is the new oil, and information is the new currency. This initiative places youth at the heart of our digital economy, preparing them to drive innovation and ensure ethical data practices,” he said.
Welcoming guests, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to training at least 5,000 youth by December 2025, leveraging an existing MoU with the NDPC.
“YDPAT is not just another training initiative — it’s the start of a national movement to position our youth as champions of digital ethics and innovation,” he said.
A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the YDPAT Online Platform — a centralized digital hub providing access to training modules, certification pathways, learning resources, and interactive engagement for youth participants across the country.
In closing, Comrade Olawande urged Nigerian youth to take ownership of the programme.
“You’re not just participants — you are partners. The success of YDPAT depends on your passion, participation, and persistence. Let’s make this a model for Africa and the world.”
The launch drew participants from youth organizations, civil society groups, tech startups, academia, and government agencies, all signaling strong support for the programme’s objectives.
