Nigerian VCs reach out to NDPC for student data protection

The Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) is actively pursuing a collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to enhance the capacity of Vice Chancellors (VCs) and data officers in universities, ensuring the comprehensive protection of students’ data.

During a courtesy visit by CVCNU members to the national commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Professor Yakubu Ochefu, the secretary-general of CVCNU, articulated the request. He expressed his enthusiasm for the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and emphasized the necessity for CVCNU members to receive education on data protection.

Ochefu explained that there are currently 264 universities with Vice Chancellors who now have the additional role of Chief Data Protection Officers for their respective institutions. He assured that Nigerian universities are eager to actively participate in implementing the Act, underscoring the importance of partnering with NDPC.

He stated, “Vice Chancellors wear multiple hats in the university. They function as Chief Accounting Officers, Executive Officers, Academic Officers, and Security Officers. I informed them that they now have an additional role as the Chief Data Officer of their university. The VCs immediately recognized the value of Data Protection in various aspects of university operations, from how forms are designed to handling personal information and posting results.”

“We have come here to engage with you to explore how we can collaborate and organize a capacity-building workshop for Vice Chancellors and Data Officers who will be appointed. This will enable us to establish a comprehensive framework for their responsibilities, guide them through the compliance process, and ensure everyone is on board,” he added.

In response, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the national commissioner of NDPC, commended the CVCNU’s proactive approach, led by Prof. Ochefu, particularly in seeking a partnership concerning Data Protection.