Paradigm Initiative, in collaboration with the Data Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), has taken proactive steps to educate secondary school students on data protection and privacy. The event, which featured presentations and debates, was held in Abuja to commemorate World Data Privacy Day, observed annually on January 28.
The 2025 theme, “Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data, and Enabling Trust,” guided discussions and activities aimed at raising awareness among young people about the importance of protecting personal data in today’s digital age.
Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, emphasised the critical role of data protection.
“Our lives depend on the environment, and in this digital era, data is life. It’s essential to protect it as we protect ourselves,” he said.
Sesan commended the participating students, noting their promising presentations and commitment to the cause.
ALSO READ CISLAC condemns arrest of Kano anti-corruption chair
He further announced Paradigm Initiative’s plans to expand the initiative, saying, “We aim to include more schools and students in next year’s competition and continue promoting data protection awareness beyond this event.”
Similarly, DKIPPI President, Tokunbo Smith, stressed the importance of “catching them young,” underscoring the competition’s role in motivating students to be ambassadors of data protection in their schools and communities.
The event showcased inspiring presentations from students who demonstrated a deep understanding of data privacy. Akilahyel Wakshama, a 13-year-old from Great Destination Schools, won first place with a presentation that highlighted practical tips such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding unknown links to prevent cyberattacks.
Wakshama described the event as “a wonderful experience” and stressed the need to safeguard personal data to prevent misuse.
Other winners included 15-year-old Okwor Sophia from Christ College, who placed second, and Jadesola Adetokunbo-Balogun from Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, who came third.
Both students emphasised personal responsibility in data protection, with Adetokunbo-Balogun urging her peers to start taking their “data life” seriously regardless of age.
ICT teacher Moses Akinsola of Vivian Fowler Memorial College praised the event for shedding light on the importance of securing personal data online. He expressed gratitude to the organisers, noting that both he and his students gained invaluable insights.
DKIPPI facilitator, Wole Jacobs, highlighted the programme’s impact, saying it empowered students to handle personal data responsibly while sparking interest in potential careers in data protection.
The competition’s winners received prizes such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, while all participating schools were presented with special packages. Students and teachers were also awarded medals, officially recognising them as Data Privacy Ambassadors.
The event successfully raised awareness about the importance of data protection and privacy among young Nigerians, laying the groundwork for a more privacy-conscious generation. Representatives from Paradigm Initiative, DKIPPI, schools, and other partners pledged continued efforts to sustain this critical conversation.
