The Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Professor Clement Kolawole, has urged universities to spearhead the integration of data privacy and protection into their governance structures, research activities and academic systems.
Professor Kolawole made the call at a seminar organised by the institution in partnership with Data Pulse Nigeria Ltd. at its City Campus in Lagos.
The seminar was themed “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovation.”
He stressed that by taking the lead in data privacy compliance, universities would not only protect students but also preserve public confidence in their operations.
The VC Descrbed tertiary institutions as custodians of extensive sensitive information including students’ academic records, health data, biometric details, research materials and personnel files.
He said the education sector must not fall short in complying with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
“The recent 21-day compliance ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to over 1,300 organisations, including 649 tertiary institutions, underscores the urgency for universities to institutionalise data protection frameworks.
“Universities are centres of innovation and digital transformation. As we adopt emerging technologies for teaching, learning and research, we must ensure that privacy is not treated as an afterthought but as a foundational principle.
“Data protection is no longer just a regulatory obligation; it is central to safeguarding the dignity of our students and staff and preserving the integrity of our academic systems,” Professor Kolawole explained.
Data Ethics
He said beyond compliance requirements such as appointing Data Protection Officers and filing audit returns, universities should integrate data ethics into curricula, research protocols and administrative processes.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that fostering digital responsibility among students would prepare them for a future where data governance and ethical technology use are critical competencies.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding high ethical standards while promoting innovation.
Professor Kolawole added that understanding privacy implications was essential in a research-driven academic environment.
In a keynote presentation, the Guest Speaker and Principal Consultant at Data Pulse Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adedoyin Talabi, said academic institutions function as complex data ecosystems that often process more personal information than many commercial organisations.
Increased Deployment of Technologies
Talabi warned that increased deployment of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), learning management systems and biometric verification tools had heightened exposure to cyber risks within schools.
He advocated an ethical approach to digital transformation in the education sector, stressing that innovation must be balanced with transparency, accountability and respect for fundamental rights.
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“For universities to remain globally competitive and trusted, they must move from seeing privacy as a policy document to embracing it as a culture embedded in everyday academic and administrative practices,” he added.
NAN