The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) held the fourth edition of the Digital Privacy Awareness Campaign (DPAC) at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), with over 1,000 students in attendance from five different universities across Cross River State.

The event was declared open by the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, who was represented by the Head of Research and Development at the NDPC, Dr Tolulope Pius-Fadipe. Dr Pius-Fadipe highlighted the importance of responsible digital engagement and the strategic role of the youth in academic institutions in fostering a culture of data protection and ethical digital practices.

The Vice-Chancellor of Arthur Jarvis University (AJU), Professor Joe Ekpe Edet, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of AJU, Professor Anne Ebri Ekong, delivered the keynote address on the topic, “Digital Transformation and Privacy: Opportunities and Responsibilities for Young People.” The event also featured presentations by staff of the Commission, as well as a panel session with the theme, “Privacy is Power: Staying Safe and Smart Online”.

DPAC, a nationwide sensitisation initiative aimed at promoting data protection and privacy awareness within tertiary institutions, had students from UNICAL, AJU, the University of Cross River (UNICROSS), the College of Health Technology, Calabar (CHTCalabar), and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) in attendance.

The event also featured the inauguration of Data Privacy Clubs in all five universities. The Commission also onboarded participants onto the Virtual Privacy Academy platform.