BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have explored areas of collaboration to strengthen data protection and privacy in the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other operations of the examination body.
The collaboration is aimed at ensuring the safe handling of candidates’ personal information, particularly as JAMB continues to introduce digital initiatives and transition towards paperless processes.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, received a delegation from JAMB, led by its Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, during a courtesy visit to the Commission.
Speaking during the visit, Aina expressed delight at the reception accorded the delegation and commended the Commission for its commitment to promoting data protection and privacy in Nigeria.
He said JAMB was making significant progress in its operations, noting that the examination body plays a critical role in data processing, given that it handles the personal information of more than two million candidates who sit for the UTME annually.
The Registrar explained that JAMB was introducing several initiatives, including the transition to paperless processes, adding that the organisation was determined to integrate data protection and privacy safeguards into its evolving operations.
He emphasised the board’s commitment to accountability in data protection and privacy, noting that the visit was intended to deepen its knowledge, build institutional capacity and obtain professional guidance from the NDPC.
Aina also reaffirmed JAMB’s readiness to comply fully with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, while encouraging its stakeholders, including more than 1,000 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country, to adhere to the provisions of the law.
In his response, Olatunji commended the Registrar for taking a proactive approach to data protection, describing the initiative as a reflection of responsible leadership and an understanding of the importance of safeguarding personal information.
He noted that the volume of personal data processed by JAMB placed it among organisations of major importance in the country’s data protection framework, making it necessary for the board to institutionalise effective data protection and privacy practices in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
The NDPC chief executive assured the delegation of the Commission’s readiness to work closely with JAMB to strengthen data protection and privacy across its operations.
As part of the proposed support, Olatunji offered free data protection training for JAMB staff, alongside vouchers for the Commission’s Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA), to enhance staff knowledge and build the capacity required for effective implementation of data protection standards.
He stressed that compliance with data protection requirements would promote accountability, protect candidates’ personal information and strengthen public confidence in JAMB’s operations.
The meeting also considered additional areas of cooperation, including the proposed signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the establishment of a joint working group to coordinate activities and facilitate sustained collaboration between the two institutions.
The proposed partnership is expected to support stronger privacy safeguards in examination administration and promote a culture of responsible data processing among JAMB and its stakeholders nationwide.
