NDPC, JAMB Strengthen Collaboration on Data Protection, Privacy

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have agreed to strengthen collaboration on data protection and privacy as the examination body continues to expand its digital operations.

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, disclosed this after receiving a delegation from JAMB led by its Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, at the Commission.

Olatunji said strengthening data protection in Nigeria’s education sector was essential to protecting candidates’ personal information, promoting institutional accountability and building public confidence in digital services.

He noted that JAMB occupies a critical position in the country’s education system, processing the personal data of more than two million candidates who sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination annually.

According to him, as JAMB introduces innovations, including paperless processes, data protection must be incorporated into its operations from the outset to ensure that technological advancement is accompanied by adequate safeguards.

Olatunji commended Aina for his commitment to responsible data processing and willingness to strengthen JAMB’s compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

He also stressed the importance of institutionalising data protection practices within JAMB, considering the scale of its operations and its extensive network of stakeholders.

In his response, Aina expressed JAMB’s readiness to deepen the Board’s understanding of data protection, build staff capacity and promote compliance among its stakeholders.

He noted that the commitment was particularly important given JAMB’s network of more than 1,000 Computer-Based Test centres across the country, where candidates’ personal information is processed during examinations.

To support the initiative, the NDPC offered free data protection training for JAMB staff, vouchers for the Virtual Privacy Academy and opportunities for some staff members to obtain certification as Data Protection Officers.

Both institutions also discussed additional areas of cooperation, including the proposed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and the establishment of a working group to sustain collaboration between the two organisations.

The NDPC said effective data protection requires more than regulatory oversight, stressing the need for continuous engagement, capacity building and a shared commitment to safeguarding individuals’ rights.