Digital Africa Global Consult (DAGC) has partnered with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to launch the Nigeria Data Challenge — a groundbreaking educational competition that will teach secondary school students the importance of data privacy and digital responsibility.
The partnership was sealed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), setting the stage for what is being hailed as Nigeria’s first structured, nationwide initiative targeting data protection awareness at the grassroots level.
The Nigeria Data Challenge is not just an awareness campaign — it is a dynamic, curriculum-based competition that introduces students to the principles of data protection through practical tasks, digital exercises, and assessments. It aims to empower young Nigerians with the tools to understand and respect the power of data in today’s digital world.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, described the initiative as a vital extension of the Commission’s vision to build a privacy-conscious society. He applauded DAGC for its foresight, stating that introducing data literacy at the secondary school level is a strategic move that will shape Nigeria’s digital future.
Chairman of DAGC, Dr. Evans Woherem, stressed the urgency of building early-stage data awareness, likening data to the “new oil” of the global economy. “The future will be defined by how well a nation understands and manages data. This challenge ensures we start preparing our young minds now,” he said.
General Manager of DAGC, Nneoma Ofodile, highlighted the uniqueness of the initiative, calling it a global first. “At a time when young people often unknowingly mishandle personal information online, this program is a wake-up call. It’s both a national milestone and a global model,” she said.
The initiative is also aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals, including those focused on quality education, innovation, and institutional strength. It comes amid growing concern over how easily data is collected, shared, and exploited in a rapidly digitizing Nigeria.
The Nigeria Data Challenge will scale across states and culminate in a national final, spotlighting top-performing schools and students. Organizers hope it will inspire similar youth-focused data protection programs across Africa.
With the digital economy contributing increasingly to Nigeria’s GDP and with sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and health tech growing rapidly, experts warn that digital growth without data ethics could threaten long-term stability. This challenge seeks to ensure that as Nigeria’s digital infrastructure expands, its citizens are equipped with the awareness to protect their data and demand accountability.
For both NDPC and DAGC, this is not just a campaign, it’s a movement to secure Nigeria’s digital future by educating those who will lead it.
