NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Science & Tech

Association seeks Act to abolish HND, bachelor degree dichotomy

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By Sylvester Thompson

The Association of Private Polytechnics in Nigeria has urged President Bola Tinubu to sponsor a Bill for an Act to abolish the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and bachelor degrees.

Dr Benjamin Achiatar, president of the association, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the dichotomy between HND and bachelor degree holder allows holders of the latter be given preferential treatment in government jobs over the former.

Achiatar said though the dichotomy had been officially removed by the National Council on Establishment, its implementation was very poor because according to him, it is not properly backed by law.

“The Bill to back it up was passed at the 9th Senate but was not duly signed into law by the then president.

“Therefore, a new Bill needs to be sponsored or the previous one revisited by the present 10th National Assembly and sent to President Bola Tinubu for his assent,’’ he said.

Achiatar said due to the dichotomy, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) records showed yearly drastic reduction in numbers of applications into polytechnics.

Achiatar, who is the Proprietor of Gboko Polytechnic, stressed the importance of technical education in fast tracking the industralisation of any country.

“We handle mostly technical trainings in Nigeria. In the polytechnics and monotechnics we have various courses; we train our students both in theory and practical.

“The emphasis we place on practical trainings is what makes us different from the university,’’ he said.

Achiatar said Nigerians needed to understand that technical and technological education was very important to the industralisation of Nigeria.

“We are requesting government to pay attention to all technology and technical education in Nigeria because in the last few years, interest in technical and technological education has been reducing.’’

He argued that the increasingly lower number of students applying to polytechnics and monotechnics in the country through JAMB was affecting the economy as a whole.

“We are hoping that government will see this and give adequate attention to this area which will enable students to see the incentive to train in the field, ‘’ he said.

He said the lack of incentives discourages students from taking up courses that lead to HND, adding that generally, government seem to be paying more attention to university education.

“That is why we are requesting that government should sponsor a Bill in the National Assembly that will do away with the dichotomy,’’ Achiatar said.

He noted that recently the Governing Councils (CCC) of Polytechnics emphasised the need for conversion of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) into a commission.

Achiatar said the association was in full support of the conversion.

He clarified that converting the NBTE being the regulatory body, into a commission, would also allow the NBTE to cater for the progressive needs of Nigeria’s polytechnics.

“It will have the capacity to work with the National Universities Commission (NUC), to do accreditation in Polytechnics for the award of B.Tech (Hons) which will attract more students,’’ Achiatar said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Science & Tech

FG commences construction of emerging technologies institute in Kano

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By Sylvester Thompson

The Federal Government has commenced the construction of Sustainable and Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) in Kano

The project is under the aegis of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

Mr Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, the agency’s Director of Information, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the institute’s ground breaking ceremony was held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus on Friday.

He quoted Mr Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman, NASENI, as saying the new institute would sit on 30 hectares of land and would feature state-of-the-art facilities.

According to him, it would also have innovation hubs devoted to artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, complemented by reliable power supply.

“NASENI will fully build, equip and support the new institute.

“The future of socioeconomic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation and cooperation, artificial intelligence, robotics among others,” Halilu said.

He said SETI was a response to rapidly the waves of young people globally revolutionising world economies with unprecedented emergence of socioeconomic frontiers as by-products of innovations and ingenuities.

“We in NASENI are firm believers in the potential of young Nigerians to be the prime catalysts of the type of transformation that Nigeria requires.

“And we will do everything within our powers to support them to fulfill this important responsibility,” Halilu said.

He expressed optimism that the project would transform the lives and careers of future generations of Nigerians.

He said SETI was in line with the operating principles of NASENI which were collaboration, creation, and commercialisation (3Cs).

“I am eagerly looking forward to the day, not too long from now, when the Institute’s first set of beneficiaries will astonish the world with what they’re capable of accomplishing.

“These stories will put not just BUK on the global innovation map, but also Kano State and the entire Nigeria,” Halilu said.

Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, described the project as another way NASENI was fast-tracking the placing Nigeria on the global map of innovation and industrialisation.

The minister described the project as “ace” and a pointer to secure a veritable socioeconomic development for the nation.

Prof. Sagir Abbas, Vice-Chancellor, BUK, remarked that the new institute was a vehicle for bringing together the three critical tripods for economic and sustainable development.

Abbas also said the ground-breaking event marked the beginning of Nigeria’s journey in pursuit of sustainable development and massive job creation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Stanley Nwanosike/Uche Anunne

Science & Tech

Nigeria, potential Electric Vehicle hub in West Africa- Manufacturer

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By Kayode Adebiyi

The Managing Director of BYD Motors Nigeria, Mr Moses Ayom, says Nigeria can become the electric vehicle manufacturing and marketing hub in West Africa through collaboration.

 

Ayom said this at an exhibition and demonstration forum for BYD Electric Cars at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre, Gora, Nasarawa State.

 

“BYD means Build Your Dream and what we want to do as an electric vehicle company is to help ensure that Nigeria and Nigerians follow the trend obtainable elsewhere.

“We entered into collaboration with the Chinese EV company because 85 per cent of cars in China are now EVs, with a target to completely go electric by 2030.

 

“Therefore, we are optimistic that Nigeria will soon lead the electric vehicle market in West Africa,” he said.

 

BYD’s Technical Head, Mr Rhak Argo, said the two EV models exhibited at the event have the capacity to cover 510km and 610km on one full charge with a home charging kit.

“The vehicles come with home charging kits which complete full charging within eight hours.

 

“If a user is on Band A, it will cost roughly N14,000 for a full charge which they could use for one week,” he said.

 

According to Argo, the parent Chinese BYD company is planning to set up an EV assembly plant in Nigeria once the brand becomes popular.

The Special Guest of Honour at the event, Sen. Abdulaziz Yari, commended BYD Motors for the choice of the research centre for the exhibition.

 

Represented by Sen. Tijjani Kaura, Yari urged individuals and corporate bodies to key into investment in electric vehicle manufacturing.

 

The Chairman of the research centre, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said cost remained the biggest challenge to Nigerians switching to electric vehicles.

“BYD is eager to enter into the Nigerian market to make a difference.

 

” Economic realities mean that people are reviewing and making adjustments to their spending.

 

“We have also become conscious of the environment and how to source alternative ways to power our vehicles and homes, ” he said.

 

According to him, the centre values research and development and this informed the decision to collaborate with BYD Motors on how electric vehicles could become affordable.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the company also exhibited Ketti District, a property development project referred to as “Africa’s First Net-Zero Green City.”

 

There was also exhibition of furniture items produced in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority.(NAN)

(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Science & Tech

NDLEA seeks laws to curb drug-related online misinformation

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to enact and enforce laws that would curb drug-related online misinformation.

Oyutu Obiageli, an assistant commander in NDLEA, said this at the workshop on ‘Safer Internet Day’ organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Abuja Chapter and Young Innovators Nigeria (YIN).

The theme of the event was: ‘Creating a safer Digital World Empowering Youths Against Cybercrime’.

Obiageli said Tech companies should strengthen their commitment to content regulation and misinformation detection.

“Educational institutions and parents must equip young people with digital literacy skills to differentiate facts from falsehoods.

“The public must take responsibility by verifying information before sharing and reporting harmful content.

“The public must also take responsibility by verifying information before sharing and reporting harmful content,” she said.

Obiageli called for the need for young people to be equipped with digital literacy skills to critically analyse drug-related content online.

“We must establish fact-checking initiatives and collaborate with influencers who promote factual drug education.

“Strengthening legislation to regulate online drug-related content is important. Technology alone is not enough.

“Strong legislation and enforcement mechanisms are crucial in holding digital platforms accountable for the content they host,” she said.

The chairman of Abuja Chapter of NCS, Mr John Odumesi, said the digital space had become an indispensable part of learning process, communication and innovation.

He said the interconnected world also presents significant risks, especially for young people, often susceptible to online predators, cyber bulling, misinformation and other forms of cybercrime.

“The workshop is timely and relevant; it highlights the urgent need to equip our youth with knowledge, skills and resources necessary to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.

“We must empower them to become responsible digital citizens,” Odumesi said.

The Founder of YIN, Mr Andrew Agbo, said there was need to enlighten youths on the dangers  and opportunities associated with the internet.

He said the emergence of the internet had made it possible for people to access tons of digitised information at their convenience.

Agbo said it had enhanced communication, improved business transactions, and expanded access to information, adding that in the education space, students can work interactively and unrestricted without worrying about time and the usual physical constraints.

He said the programme would improve the knowledge of young innovators as they can use the internet to create new ideas, develop new technologies and address local issues.

The Zonal Coordinator, North Central Zone (NCS) , Mr Bayo Onimode, said  the Day was an important initiative that helps inform the public on how to use online resources safely and responsibly.

He advised Nigerians to be careful on the various online platforms they follow, saying some of them could be an avenue for cybercrime. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

General News , Science & Tech

Expert seeks Africa’s participation in AI innovations

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AI
By Ijeoma Olorunfemi
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, Mr Omoikhefe Aienloshan, has called on African governments to be part of the innovations around the AI technologies
Aienloshan made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, following the AI innovation tussle between the U.S. and China.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. and China have been in a tech war following new innovations by the Chinese targeted at upsetting the dominance of the America on AI.
According to the expert, there must be strategic investments in AI education, robust data policies and collaborations with both Eastern and Western tech powers.
He also underscored the need for African governments, innovators, and tech entrepreneurs to recognise the urgency of the moment.
“This AI competition is no longer just about who can create better technologies. it is about who can shape the future of global economies, industries, and even political landscapes.
“Africa cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while global superpowers determine the rules of the game.
“We have the talent, we have the innovation, but without the right infrastructure and forward-thinking policies, we will miss this crucial window of opportunity,” the founder if ZeroEdge and  Gasnownow said.
According to him,  Africa can engage as a key player in the AI space by investing in homegrown talent, fostering AI start-ups, and creating platforms that allowed African tech companies to collaborate with international partners
Aienloshan noted that with right investments in AI, service delivery could be boosted in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, real estate, energy and  potentially creating millions of new jobs.
“We must create an environment where AI innovation thrives across sectors. AI is not just for the elite, it is a tool that can drive inclusive economic growth if we harness its potential correctly,” he said.
Aienloshan stressed that the AI cold war revealed that the world was on the brink of a technological race with far-reaching political and economic implications.
NAN reports that the USA and China have been in a tech war because U.S. which had AI powerhouses like Open AI, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, among others, banned the sales of semi conductor chips to China for years, in a bid to limit China’s AI capacity.
China, however, released an AI model, which according to users, is more powerful and up to date than anything the Americans have, that is, the DeepSeek-R1.
The Chinese additionally made the AI model open source, thereby making it available for download, fine tuning, altering to suit demands of the user.
The move by the Chinese over the week had made tech billionaires lose a combined amount of over 100 billion dollars in the value of AI companies on the American stock exchange market.
DeepSeek-R1, hailed as China’s most advanced AI system to date, has stunned experts worldwide with its capacity to process massive datasets at unprecedented speeds and solve complex problems across industries.
Many see it as a direct challenge to U.S. dominance in AI research, sparking concerns that the two superpowers could lock the rest of the world out of the most significant technological advancements of the 21st century.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
Science & Tech

Data ecosystem has capacity to drive trillion dollar economy – NDPC 

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says the data privacy ecosystem has the capacity to drive Nigeria to a trillion dollar economy.

Its National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said this at a news conference to commemorate the 2025 Global Privacy Day, in Abuja.

Beginning from Europe in 2008, the day highlights the significance of privacy and data protection.

The NDPC commissioner said that through the implementation of the pillars of its Nigeria Data Protection-Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP), localised technology adoption and global collaborations, indigenous data privacy could contribute to the growth of the economy.

“We can’t keep relying on foreign technologies for what we are doing here, so our local content must be encouraged.

“In NDPC, our platforms, the services, portal, and websites are locally developed, and they are very robust enough for us to use.

“This can drive technologies and we are talking of operating a trillion dollar economy for this country that will be driven by digital technologies.

“The private ecosystem alone can convey a lot of services that are being offered and you can imagine audit files alone, registration of data controllers, reporting breaches. A lot is going on and even creating awareness through various platforms,” he said.

He also encouraged startups to key into the data privacy ecosystem, adding that there was immense potential.

Speaking on the day, Olatunji highlighted the universality of data privacy principles but stressed the need for adapting them to local laws.

He urged stakeholders to leverage the knowledge of data protection not only within Nigeria but also on a global scale.

“All we want is for you to adapt the local laws of wherever you want to practice. The principles of data protection and security are the same worldwide and the knowledge you acquire here can take you anywhere,” he said.

Olatunji noted the immense potential in Nigeria’s data ecosystem, saying the nation’s human capital development remains critical to advancing its digital economy.

According to him, NDPC places significant focus on building capacity while encouraging the development of indigenous digital technologies to reduce reliance on foreign solutions.

He reiterated the NDPC’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration through initiatives that strengthen data privacy awareness, compliance and enforcement.

He stated that Nigeria’s acceptance into the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) and the hosting rights of the 2025 Network of African Data Protection Authorities conference was a testament that the country had demonstrated a good traction in data protection initiatives.

Olatunji highlighted that a robust data protection framework was a key factor for attracting multinational investments, ensuring compliance with global standards and safeguarding the rights of data subjects.

The commissioner said that the commission had signed Memoranda of Understanding with data protection authorities in Canada and United Arab Emirates, to ensure cross-border knowledge sharing on data privacy.

“Our law applies even when Nigerian data is processed outside the country and collaborating with foreign data protection agencies allows us to exchange knowledge effectively,” he said.

Olatunji stated that the commission had in the past engaged in a series of awareness campaigns, trained 55,529 individuals on data privacy, had 5,351 capacity building programmes, among other engagements.

Highlight of the event included the launch of the NDPC International Journal of Data Privacy and Protection and the release of the commission’s 2024 annual report.(NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Science & Tech

Expert urges FG to digitalise civil service for efficiency

321 total views today

By Diana Omueza

Dr Gabriel Akinremi, a data privacy and protection expert, has urged the Federal Government to digitalise the civil service for efficiency, enhance service delivery and data protection.

Akinremi gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja in commemoration of Global Data Privacy Day.

The Data Privacy Day is globally celebrated on Jan. 28 to raise awareness on the importance of protecting personal information and promoting privacy practice.

The week is celebrated in Nigeria by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, with the theme “Fostering Trust and Inclusion Through Data Privacy”.

Akinremi said that as governments across the globe were digitalising public services, Nigeria needed to follow to enhance the service, provide digital protections and privacy for identities of civil servants.

“As the digital transformation of governmental operations is gaining momentum worldwide, Nigeria should not be an exception, ” he said.

He said that the introduction of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), was central to Nigeria’s efforts at modernising public services and streamlining interactions with citizens.

Akinremi said that transforming the digital identity management in Nigeria’s civil service would reduce the threats, breaches, losses and misuse of civil servants data

He also said that the digitalisation of the civil service would bring significant improvement in the service, aid effective monitoring, and improve public sector transparency and accountability.

“Digital transformation will ensure compliance to rules and regulations, and most importantly, ensure the protection and privacy of civil servants data.

“It would also improve the resilience of digital identity systems and advance the privacy rights of Nigerian civil servants,” he said.

According to him, the enactment, implementation and enforcement of compliance on data protection regulations in civil service remains crucial for its digitalisation.

Akinremi urged the government to invest in standard cyber-security technologies and skilled personnel to prevent cyber-attacks of civil service data-base.

He gave advice on the need for regular audit and assessment of the digital identity systems to easily identify threats and vulnerabilities, and provide swift solutions to dangers.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Data Protection Commission recently launched the National Certification Programme for Data Protection Officers (DPOs). (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Science & Tech

Nigeria’s tech ecosystem must seize global opportunities — Tijani

361 total views today

By Stellamaris Ashinze

The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has called on Nigeria’s tech ecosystem to maximise opportunities presented by international collaborations.

Tijani made the call while speaking at the Nigerian-French Technology Roundtable on Friday in Lagos.

He said that Nigeria’s participation at the upcoming Viva Technology (VivaTech) Conference 2025 in Paris is a pivotal moment for the nation’s digital economy.

According to him, platforms like VivaTech provide an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s innovation and position its tech startups as leaders on the global stage.

He emphasised the importance of leveraging France’s technological strengths, such as Artificial Intelligence and sustainability, to bolster Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

The minister also announced plans for a joint technology market to promote innovation and revealed that a 90-kilometre fiber-optic cable project is underway to strengthen Nigeria’s internet infrastructure.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in creating an environment where our tech startups can thrive, attract venture capital, and generate opportunities for economic growth,” he said.

The Consul General of France in Nigeria, Laurent Favier, said that technology was a key driver of Nigeria’s international influence.

Favier said that France was proud to collaborate in the journey.

‘’Events like VivaTech are vital for fostering global partnerships and expanding Nigeria’s role in the digital economy,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roundtable was hosted in partnership with the French Embassy and Globacom.

It brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives from VivaTech to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Discussants at the event focused on how Nigeria’s participation in VivaTech could stimulate investment, foster innovation, and expand the country’s global influence in technology.

The event highlighted Nigeria’s emerging role as a hub for technological advancement.

VivaTech is an annual technology conference and trade show in Paris, France.

It is a global meeting place for startups, investors, and established companies to discuss and showcase the latest technological innovations.

Globacom, the sponsor of the roundtable, has consistently supported initiatives that position Nigeria as a leader in the digital economy.

The company’s ongoing commitment to fostering growth in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem is evident in its investments and various initiatives. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Science & Tech

TY Danjuma inaugurates NAS museum, library in his honour

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By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd) has inaugurated the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) museum and science library named in his honour in the FCT.

Located at Wasa District Cadastral Zone, Apo FCT, the science and museum complex occupies 4.18 hectares.

The architectural plan of the complex consisted of a pierce, science museum and library complex, an administrative block, a conference centre with comprehensive conference facilities and a guest house.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Danjuma funded the construction of the science museum and library.

The retired general, while speaking at the commissioning, said that asides erecting a building, the museum needed to be equipped with facilities deserving of a museum.

“You need to have regular correspondence between the academy of science and prospective donors to know how you are progressing and to ensure you have what makes the building a museum.

“With the deployment of science and technology, it is possible to access things we don’t have here, and to do that you need money and sustenance for regular correspondence,” he said.

Danjuma pledged to lend his voice in spreading the needs of the science community for availability of funds.

He stated that science was the bedrock of development for any nation.

Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, said the establishment of the science museum would serve as a heritage for generations.

“With this, I am certain that our research, development and innovation is going to be documented for the next generation of Nigerian children to have what they can fall back on to report on science.

“They can have what it takes to develop research, to come up with patents that we can expand our scope to commercialise and not just resting on the shelves.

“This is the foundation of all that, all our laboratories are now going to key in through this so that we have most of the things we need to train our children from kindergarten up to tertiary as scientists, innovators, and inventors,” she said.

Prof. Ekanem Braide, President of NAS, said the building plan was approved after some delay by Development Control in October 2023 and the building contract awarded in November 2023.

Braide stated that the museum would serve as a useful resource for inspiring and strengthening Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.

“The museum will also showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and civilisation that can produce cross-cultural understanding.

“It will be a source of knowledge and inspiration, while management of the museum will continue to collect, preserve, interpret and display objects of artistic, cultural and scientific significance for the education of the public, particularly students.

“The library will provide access to authentic and reliable information required to support learning and development, it will house all sections in an ideal library, including an e- section and a repository,” Braide stated.

The president said they would continue to promote both local and international collaborations among researchers, government, industries and communities for national development.

Prof. Mahouton Hounkonno, President, Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), said the museum represented the interface between the science community and the general community.

According to him, it is a meeting point where ideas are nurtured and curiosity transformed into discovery.

‘”As Africa faces unprecedented challenges from climate change, to technological adaptation, spaces like this become beacons of hope fostering education and system engagement.

“Science does not exist in isolation, it thrives in the lives of the people it tends to outlive.

“This museum will not only preserve the heritage of Nigerian science, but also inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers who will continue to shape the future of the nation and continent at large.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Science & Tech

FG unveils national data protection certification programme

220 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Monday launched the National Certification Programme for Data Protection Officers (DPOs).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 500 DPOs are expected to be trained in the first cohort of the programme, targeted at bridging the gap in data protection across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, said that President Bola Tinubu was committed to transforming Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy, hence the need to develop the digital economy sector.

He highlighted the role of the digital economy, saying that it currently contributed 14 per cent to 16 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with plans to increase it to 21 per cent within the next few years.

“We have a President that is taking bold decisions that may cause us some initial pains as a people, but will lead to a strong foundation for a future that will be inclusive and prosperous for every member of this country.

“President Bola Tinubu mentioned his intention and dedication to driving our economy to becoming a $1 trillion economy.

“Many people may not understand what that means but the implication is that if you have a country that is close to half a billion people, you have to provide job opportunities, and the only way you can do that is by growing the GDP of the country.

“It is only through economic activities and developing the digital economy that we can truly provide many meaningful jobs for our people,” he said.

Tijani reflected on Nigeria’s telecommunications revolution since 1999, noting its transformative impact on communication, financial services, and business operations.

He, however, raised concerns about the vulnerabilities posed by increased connectivity, particularly in data privacy and security.

The minister stressed the importance of building trust to ensure the success of digital technologies, innovation, and economic growth.

He urged the beneficiaries of the programme to leverage the opportunity, adding that it was government’s unique investment in their future and contribution to national development.

According to Tijani, a strong digital economy relies on skilled individuals and trust, without which Nigeria risks falling behind.

The National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said that with the adoption of emerging technologies, the World Economic Forum had projected in 2020 that 92 million jobs would be lost in six years.

Olatunji, however, noted that 170 million skills set and new jobs could be created as well, and they required digital skills.

He recalled that the Commission conducted a survey of data controllers and processors and discovered that over 500,000 data controllers and processors existed and needed to be employed as data protection officers.

The NDPC boss, however, said the skills were lacking, hence the need for them to train certified DPOs.

“In line with the Public-Private Partnership model, which we have started with implementing the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan.

“We came up with this idea of training and paying for the generation of data protection officers who will now be certified,” he said.

Olatunji also said it decided to train the DPOs, to reduce the burden of cost associated with data protection certification.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), advocated for skills and knowledge acquisition and certification, saying it was very relevant in building the digital economy.

Inuwa highlighted the importance of programmes that equipped young Nigerians with digital skills, noting their potential to reduce unemployment and enhance economic growth.

He congratulated participants of the certification programme, reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to supporting initiatives that positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy.

Also, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said that sustainable data required a functional protection mechanism in an increasingly digital world.

Represented by CP Uche Henry, the National Commissioner, Cybercrime Centre, Egbetokun said the increasing application of emerging technologies had increased threats.

“The increasing application of emerging technologies and the management of public and firebase businesses with inherent vulnerabilities exposes the entire global ecosystem to cyber threats and data breaches.

“This has caused the urgent need for well trained professionals who can effectively navigate the complexities of data protection and regulatory frameworks,” he said.

Other goodwill messages were from the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande and Mrs Jane Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd.

NAN reports that the programme will commence with the first cohort of 200 participants, with 100 each from Abuja and Lagos respectively.

In the subsequent weeks, a new cohort of 100 participants would undergo training each week until the full group of 500 selected participants had completed the training.

The training and certification of the 500 selected participants is being funded by the NDPC as part of its 2025 capacity-building initiatives and in line with its Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (2023-2027).

Beneficiaries of the programme will take a virtual certification examination at the end of the programme, which will be administered by the Institute of Information Management (IIM).(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Christiana Fadare

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