Abuja: The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has initiated a data protection training program aimed at equipping engineers with essential knowledge in data privacy, regulatory compliance, and information governance. Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, President and Chairman-in-Council of NSE, announced this development at the commencement of the Data Protection Induction Training for Engineering Professionals held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training is a strategic addition to NSE’s professional development initiatives. Oguntala highlighted that it is part of NSE’s targeted efforts to bridge knowledge and skills gaps, ensuring engineers are well-prepared to meet modern professional demands. She emphasized the organization’s vision to train at least 10,000 members across various categories, focusing on providing platforms that offer both technical and regulatory knowledge, especially in rapidly evolving areas critical to the profession’s future.
Oguntala further noted that following NSE’s ISO 9001:2015 certification, the society has taken significant steps to demonstrate its commitment to quality management and international best practices. Building members’ capacity in data protection, regulatory compliance, and information governance has therefore become imperative. She stated that with the enactment and growing enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, aligning with national requirements and global standards in data privacy is essential for members.
She stressed that data protection is not exclusive to ICT or legal professionals but is a responsibility for every engineer working with technology, networks, or information systems. Oguntala expressed gratitude to the partners supporting the initiative and encouraged participants to engage actively, deepen their understanding, and maximize the opportunity.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Chief Executive Officer of the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), also addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of compliance in engineering practice. Represented by Dr. Tolulope Pius-Fadipe, NDPC’s Head of Research and Development, he noted that engineers are at the forefront of innovation, creating solutions that transform the world. Olatunji underscored the responsibility that accompanies this power, highlighting the need to prioritize data protection to maintain trust, integrity, and compliance.
Olatunji asserted that data protection is now a fundamental aspect of professional engineering practice. He advised engineers to ensure their designs, products, and services are both innovative and compliant with regulations. The training aims to equip engineers with principles, risk management tools, and best practices to integrate data protection into projects. He encouraged participants to engage fully, ask questions, and share experiences, ensuring Nigerian engineers remain leaders in data protection compliance while upholding innovation, integrity, and trust in the industry.