As part of activities marking the National Data Privacy Summit 2026, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in partnership with Digital Africa Global Consult (DAGC), officially launched the Secondary School Data Challenge under the broader National Data Challenge initiative.
The launch event also featured the presentation of awards to winners of the pilot phase of the competition.
White Crescent International Academy emerged as the overall winner, receiving a cash prize of N200,000. Lifegate Academy secured second place with N150,000, while Aduvie International School finished third and received N100,000.
The initiative stems from a strategic partnership between NDPC and DAGC aimed at embedding a culture of data privacy within Nigeria’s educational system.
The collaboration was formalised in June last year through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Nigeria Data Challenge—an education-focused programme designed to promote data protection awareness among secondary school students nationwide.
More than a conventional awareness campaign, the Nigeria Data Challenge is structured as a competitive learning platform that introduces students to the principles of data protection and digital privacy.
Through curriculum-based modules, practical exercises and assessments, the programme seeks to cultivate a generation of digitally responsible citizens equipped to navigate Nigeria’s evolving data-driven economy.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended Digital Africa Global Consult for initiating what he described as a timely and transformative project.
He noted that the challenge complements the Commission’s existing Privacy Club Initiative in tertiary institutions and aligns with its broader mandate to foster a privacy-conscious culture across the country.
“This partnership is a natural extension of our mission to build a data protection-conscious ecosystem in Nigeria. We are excited about the opportunity to reach young minds early, and this programme promises to become a cornerstone of our national awareness strategy,” Dr. Olatunji said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Digital Africa Global Consult, Dr. Evans Woherem, emphasised the strategic importance of data in the digital economy, describing it as the “new oil.” He stressed the need to cultivate data literacy from an early age to position Nigeria competitively in the global digital landscape.
“The future belongs to nations that understand and manage data responsibly. By starting from our secondary schools, we are laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable data economy,” Dr. Woherem stated.
Also speaking, the General Manager of DAGC, Nneoma Ofodile, described the Nigeria Data Challenge as a groundbreaking initiative with global relevance. She noted that it aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 9 and 16, which focus on quality education, industry innovation and strong institutions.
According to her, the programme is particularly timely given the increasing exposure of young people to digital platforms and the risks associated with indiscriminate data sharing.
“Many students today are either victims or unwitting participants in data breaches due to limited awareness of the implications. Data literacy is no longer optional; it is essential,” she said.
Both the NDPC and Digital Africa Global Consult expressed confidence that the partnership would stimulate further collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders and redefine civic education in Nigeria by recognising data protection as both a fundamental right and a shared responsibility.