The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called for stronger data protection measures across the country’s education sector following the launch of the Digitalised Nigeria Education Management Information System (DNEMIS). Speaking at the platform’s official launch, NDPC National Commissioner and CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji emphasized that safeguarding student data must remain a priority as Nigeria accelerates digital transformation in education.
During a panel discussion on data-driven education planning, Dr. Olatunji praised the Federal Ministry of Education for introducing DNEMIS while stressing that the platform should be built on robust technical and organizational safeguards. He noted that protecting personal data is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring the secure use of education data.
The NDPC highlighted the importance of adopting a “Privacy by Design” approach, recommending features such as comprehensive privacy policies, encryption, transparency, data minimization, and end-to-end security. According to the Commission, these measures will strengthen confidence in the platform while supporting secure and efficient education data management across Nigeria.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to prioritizing data protection and privacy, pledging to work closely with the NDPC to ensure compliance across DNEMIS and the wider education sector. He also directed the implementation team to begin formal engagement with the Commission as the initiative progresses.
The launch reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to leveraging digital technologies to improve education planning while ensuring responsible data governance. With collaboration between government institutions and development partners, DNEMIS is expected to strengthen evidence-based decision-making while protecting the privacy and security of millions of learners
