Nigeria has taken a major leap in digital security with the official launch of the Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy, a first-of-its-kind platform offering practical, accessible training in data protection and privacy for citizens nationwide.
The academy was unveiled on Tuesday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, during the 8th annual Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) conference in Abuja. Describing the initiative as a global first, Dr. Tijjani said the academy is designed to build a digitally secure and globally competitive workforce for Nigeria.
“It is therefore my honour to formally launch the Data Protection Virtual Academy, a bold and innovative step towards building a digitally secure and globally competitive workforce for Nigeria,” Tijjani said, noting that the platform targets everyone from civil servants and private sector employees to young job seekers.
The academy will deliver virtual training on data protection principles and basic cyber hygiene-skills that are increasingly vital as digital services and online trade expand across the country. The move comes as Nigeria’s data privacy sector continues its rapid growth, generating over $10 million and creating 23,000 jobs in the last three years.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia, emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing innovation with strong privacy protections. “Nigeria’s journey in data protection has been an evolving narrative of progress, proof that when a nation commits itself to privacy and dignity, transformation follows,” Shettima said.
The launch of the academy is part of a broader push to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has already conducted over 5,000 compliance assessments and generated more than $1.2 million in regulatory revenue since the passage of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in 2023.
Experts say the new academy will help build digital resilience and trust, equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to navigate an increasingly data-driven world.
