Paradigm Initiative, a non-profit organisation, has collaborated with the Data Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) to educate secondary school students on data privacy and protection.

The executive director of Paradigm Initiative, Gbenga Sesan, said the event which involved presentations and debates, was to commemorate the annual World Data Privacy Day.

The competition was held ahead of the World Data Protection Day, which is celebrated globally on Jan. 28.

The theme for the 2025 edition of the Day has the theme: “Respecting Privacy and Safeguarding Data and Enabling Trust.”

Mr Sesan said that the two organisations organised the event to raise awareness about data protection and privacy among young people.

While celebrating the winners of the competitions, he emphasised the importance of data protection in today’s digital age.

“The students that were selected and who made presentations on data protection and privacy showed a lot of promise.

“There is hope that there will be a lot more awareness among the students and the schools.

“At Paradigm Initiative, we definitely hope to keep working with these children.

“One of the reasons why we are happy is that safeguarding data is something to be talked about. It is because this is something that at Paradigm Initiative we have been talking about, and we’re happy that there’s a bit more attention on the issue.

“Data is life, and it is essential that we protect it just as we protect our lives,” Mr Sesan said.

He announced that Paradigm Initiative would continue to work with schools and partners to promote data protection awareness and education.

“We hope to include more students and schools in next year’s competition and to continue the conversation about data protection beyond this event,” the Paradigm Initiative boss said.

Also speaking, Tokunbo Smith, the president, Data Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), said that the motivation was to catch the students young.

He said that it was interested in educating the students on the importance of data protection.

Mr Smith said that the competition was designed to motivate students to learn more about data protection and to become ambassadors of data protection in their schools.

According to him, the competition is also part of a larger effort to promote data protection in Nigeria and to encourage young people to take an active role in protecting their personal data.

A facilitator at DKIPPI, Wole Jacobs, said the competition had sensitised secondary school students on data privacy, and empowered them to handle personal data responsibly.

Mr Jacobs said that the programme aimed at educating students and teachers on data privacy, emphasising personal responsibility.

He said that the programme had a significant impact on the students, who gained new knowledge and showed interest in pursuing careers in data protection.

He recommended continued sensitisation, especially among Gen Z’s, who spend more time online.

Moses Akinsola, an information and communication technology (ICT) Teacher at Vivian Fowler Memorial College, commended all the data privacy presentations, saying that they shed light on the importance of securing personal data online.

Mr Akinsola advised students to be cautious when sharing personal information online, emphasising the need to protect themselves from potential risks.

He expressed gratitude for the event, saying he and his students learnt a lot.

The winners of the competition received prizes such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, while all participating schools received a special package.

A 15-year-old SS 2 Student of Christ College, Okwor Sophia, highlighted the importance of data privacy awareness among students.

Ms Okwor, who came second in the data privacy presentation, advised students to take personal responsibility for safeguarding their data and respecting privacy.

“It’s about learning how to protect your digital life, whether on social media or the digital landscape, to avoid mistakes that could cost you your career or life,” Sofia said.

She described the programme as educating and fantastic, noting that it provided an opportunity to learn from other students and acquire new skills.

A 13-year-old Student of Great Destination Schools, Akilahyel Wakshama, stressed the importance of safeguarding personal data.

Ms Wakshama, who came first with his presentation on data privacy, urged students to use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and avoid clicking on unknown links to prevent cyber attacks and protect their privacy.

“Safeguarding data is crucial to prevent misuse and protect privacy,” Ms Wakshama said.

He expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event, describing it as a wonderful experience.

A 15-year-old SS 2 Student of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Jadesola Adetokunbo-Balogun, advised students to safeguard their personal data.

Ms Adetokunbo-Balogun, who was a third place winner, cautioned students against sharing personal information with untrusted individuals.

She emphasised the importance of taking data protection seriously, regardless of age.

“You’re not too young to start taking your data life seriously,” she said.

The student expressed gratitude to the organisers of the event for educating them on data protection.

The event aimed at raising awareness about data protection and privacy among secondary school students.

It was attended by students, teachers, and judges from various schools, as well as representatives from Paradigm Initiative and its partners.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of medals to students and teachers as Data Privacy Ambassadors.

(NAN)