In a significant move to bolster data protection within the Nigerian education sector, the National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, recently welcomed a delegation from the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU). The delegation was led by the newly appointed Secretary-General of the CVCNU, Professor Andrew Haruna.
During the meeting, Professor Haruna emphasized the critical importance of data protection in today’s digital age. He highlighted that universities manage vast amounts of sensitive information, including student records, research data, and financial details of both students and staff. “Data protection is not just a necessity but a responsibility in the digital world we live in,” he stated. Professor Haruna further explained that the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with the NDPC to ensure compliance with data protection regulations across all facets of university administration.
In his response, Dr. Olatunji congratulated Professor Haruna on his recent appointment as Secretary-General of the CVCNU and praised the committee for its ongoing partnership with the NDPC. He underscored the pivotal role universities play as custodians of sensitive information, stressing that data protection and privacy must be prioritized within the academic sector. “Universities handle a significant amount of sensitive data, and it is imperative that Vice-Chancellors, as leaders of these institutions, are well-versed in the data protection ecosystem,” Dr. Olatunji remarked.
The NDPC Chief Executive also called on universities, as key data controllers, to appoint Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and develop comprehensive privacy policies to safeguard personal data. He further offered to provide specialized training for CVCNU members, including Vice-Chancellors, professors, and principal officers, to enhance their understanding of data protection protocols and compliance requirements.
This meeting marks a crucial step in the NDPC’s efforts to institutionalize data protection measures across Nigeria’s higher education sector, ensuring that universities remain secure and compliant in an increasingly digital world.
