NDPC commences training for First Cohort of Data Protection Officer Certification program
Date: 2025-01-24
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched the training for the first cohort of participants in the National Certification Process for Data Protection Officers (DPOs), an initiative aimed at equipping professionals with the skills needed to address the growing demands of data protection and privacy in Nigeria.
The
inaugural cohort of 200 participants, split evenly between training centers in
Abuja and Lagos, embarked on their journey to become certified DPOs, a
significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem.
At
the Abuja training center, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr.
Vincent Olatunji, addressed the participants, offering words of encouragement
and underscoring the importance of the program. Dr. Olatunji highlighted the
privilege of being selected for this rigorous and highly sought-after
certification process, emphasizing its significance in addressing the global
shortage of skilled data protection professionals.
"Data
protection is not just a vital skill but a scarce one globally," he noted.
"This certification positions you, our participants, as key players in the
understaffed and increasingly critical data protection and privacy ecosystem.
You are not just training for certification; you are preparing to fill a vital
gap in an industry that is rapidly evolving and expanding."
Dr.
Olatunji also commended the program’s facilitators for their excellent work in
preparing the participants, highlighting their role in laying the groundwork
for a successful certification process. He encouraged the trainees to remain
dedicated to their studies as they prepared for the examinations, expressing
confidence in their ability to excel.
The
certification program, designed to train a total of 500 participants in its
first phase, will continue over the coming weeks with new cohorts of 100
participants undergoing training each week. This phased approach ensures that
the participants receive focused and comprehensive instruction to meet the
rigorous demands of the certification process.
Participants
in the program expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity,
recognizing the potential for professional growth and the significant impact
they will have on Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
