The Federal Government is launching a free online resource to provide public servants with essential skills in ethical data management.
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Data.Org, is promoting the Responsible Data Management Course.
According to FMCIDE, the course is designed to bridge the theoretical aspects of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 with practical knowledge of data rights and responsibilities. It aims to help public servants navigate the complexities of data management and mitigate vulnerabilities within public service.
“This collaboration between the NDPC and Data.Org is the first of many initiatives planned to equip civil servants responsible for data management with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape,” Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy said.
The ministry said that the responsible Data Management Course that aims to train 10,000 public servants in data management. targets Heads of IT, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Data Protection Officers (DOs), IT & Cybersecurity Personnel, and officers handling data processing and privacy within Federal and State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
In addition, the Ministry said, the concise, self-paced online course can be completed in just 2-3 hours and will be offered in four cohorts to ensure broad accessibility and continuous learning opportunities. Participants will receive certificates upon completion of each cohort.
Dr. Uyi Stewart, Chief Data and Technological Officer at Data.Org, highlighted the course’s significance in providing public servants with foundational data science knowledge and skills. “The Responsible Data Management Course helps public servants understand the ethical handling of data, safeguarding privacy and rights, and effective data governance,” he noted.
FMCIDE further stated that by focusing on the principles of responsible data handling and the lifecycle of data management, this course equips public servants with knowledge of regulatory requirements and ethical frameworks. This preparation ensures that their decisions reflect both the letter and spirit of the law, contributing positively to public trust and confidence in public institutions.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NDPC, emphasised the importance of addressing privacy issues arising from emerging technologies when he said that “we are implementing measures to enhance the capacity of Nigerians in the data protection ecosystem. The Responsible Data Management Course is one of the initiatives designed to equip Nigerian public servants with relevant skills to be globally competitive.”
Registration begins on May 28, 2024, at https://dmc.ndpc.gov.ng. The course schedule is as follows:
Cohort 1: June 19 – July 17, 2024
Cohort 2: July 22 – August 17, 2024
Cohort 3: August 19 – September 14, 2024
Cohort 4: September 16 – October 12, 2024
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