Nigeria Introduces Youth-Centered Data Security Education Program
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have jointly launched the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) program, a government-backed initiative aimed at training and certifying Nigerian youths as Data Protection Officers (DPOs).
The programme, unveiled under the leadership of Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, is a strategic collaboration between the FMYD and NDPC. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's eight-point agenda, particularly in job creation and digital empowerment.
The YDPAT programme aims to equip over 5,000 young Nigerians with digital literacy, data protection, and privacy skills. It is in line with a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the FMYD and NDPC, and is a product of this partnership.
The launch event, held on July 25, 2025, at Musa Yar'Adua Centre, FCT, Abuja, was attended by key figures including Mrs Hadiza Bala Usman, Hon. Adedeji Stanley, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, and Dr Vincent Olatunji, the NDPC National Commissioner/CEO.
Details of the Programme
The YDPAT programme offers expert-led training on various topics, including the fundamentals of data protection and privacy, the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and global standards, digital responsibility, and ethical use of personal data, and emerging careers in data protection and compliance. Certification opportunities are available after training, positioning participants for careers in the growing digital economy.
The programme targets training between 5,000 and up to 1 million Nigerian youths over time. Eligible participants include students currently enrolled in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education, serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and youth interested in cybersecurity, digital policy, and privacy law. Selection considers region, applicant interest, and availability, with registration being free and open, with limited spaces encouraging early application.
Why Participate?
Participating in the YDPAT programme offers several benefits. Gain valuable and marketable skills in data protection and digital privacy. Receive participation certificates and access to accredited data protection certification exams. Enhance job prospects in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital sector. Join a youth-driven, data-aware workforce critical for securing Nigeria’s digital future.
Interested individuals can register online through official government portals such as the FMYD and NDPC websites or their affiliated social media handles.
The Data Protection Training Programme for Nigerian Youths marks a significant step towards empowering young people with essential digital skills, preparing them for roles as future-ready DPOs. Hon. Adedeji Stanley, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, also attended the launch event. Dr Olatunji highlighted the rising demand for DPOs and urged participants to fully engage with the programme.
[1] Federal Ministry of Youth Development (2025). Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) Programme. [Online]. Available: https://fmyd.gov.ng/ydpat
[2] Nigeria Data Protection Commission (2025). YDPAT Programme. [Online]. Available: https://ndpc.gov.ng/ydpat
[3] The Guardian (2025). Over 5,000 Nigerian Youths to be Trained in Data Protection. [Online]. Available: https://guardian.ng/news/over-5000-nigerian-youths-to-be-trained-in-data-protection/
[4] Punch Nigeria (2025). FMYD, NDPC Launch Data Protection Training Programme for Nigerian Youths. [Online]. Available: https://punchng.com/fmyd-ndpc-launch-data-protection-training-programme-for-nigerian-youths/
[5] Vanguard (2025). FMYD, NDPC Launch Data Protection Training Programme for Nigerian Youths. [Online]. Available: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/07/fmyd-ndpc-launch-data-protection-training-programme-for-nigerian-youths/
- This government-backed initiative, the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) program, aims to not only equip Nigerian youths with digital literacy and data protection skills but also positions them for careers in the growing digital economy, targeting areas such as cybersecurity, digital policy, and privacy law.
- The YDPAT program aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's eight-point agenda, focusing particularly on job creation and digital empowerment, as it offers expert-led training on various topics, including cybersecurity, and certification opportunities for participants.
