The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Globe Takers Foundation, has concluded registration for the Youth Data Protection Awareness & Training (YDPAT) programme.
Over a 53-day period, 58,820 young Nigerians from all six geopolitical zones signed up, reflecting the growing interest of youths in data protection, digital literacy, and personal development.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, hailed the massive response as a demonstration of young people’s commitment to national development. He assured that while the first cohort will comprise 5,000 participants — selected to ensure fair representation across the country — every registrant will still benefit from other Ministry-led programmes to guarantee inclusiveness.
According to the Ministry, the YDPAT training will adopt a hybrid approach, combining virtual and physical sessions to ensure nationwide accessibility. Registration closed in the first week of September 2025, with participant selection ongoing through the month. The announcement and accreditation of selected trainees will take place in October, ahead of virtual sessions in November and physical sessions in December 2025.
As preparations progress, the Ministry has called on development partners, private organisations, and state governments to support and expand the programme’s reach, stressing that collective collaboration would enhance digital inclusion and data literacy among Nigerian youths.
Olawande reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to raising a digitally empowered generation capable of protecting its rights in the digital space while contributing to the security and growth of Nigeria’s data-driven economy.
ADEOLA KUNLE
