FUTO Trains Staff Members on Data Protection Compliance

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), has stepped up efforts to strengthen its data protection practices, with a one-day workshop for senior administrative staff members, focusing on compliance, accountability, and the responsible handling of personal information.

The workshop, organised by Business Intelligence Technologies, a Data Compliance Organisation working in collaboration with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), was designed to sensitise key administrative personnel on their responsibilities under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, which provides the legal framework for protecting personal data and regulating its processing in Nigeria.

Speaking at the opening session, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. I.N.S. Dozie, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Engr. Prof. Remy Uche, said the University had a fundamental responsibility to safeguard the personal information of staff, students and other stakeholders against unauthorised access, misuse and breaches of confidentiality.

“The training workshop is, therefore, not merely a regulatory obligation but a strategic investment in institutional integrity, accountability and digital governance,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and a strong sense of responsibility, emphasising their role in promoting data protection within their respective offices. “You are being equipped to serve as custodians of data privacy and champions of compliance within the University,” he told the participants.

He reiterated Management’s commitment to building a digitally compliant, transparent and globally competitive institution, while commending Business Intelligence Technologies and the NDPC for supporting the training initiative. The Vice-Chancellor also urged participants to translate the knowledge acquired into practical improvements in their daily administrative processes.

Lead consultant of Business Intelligence Technologies, Dr. Ivan Anya, delivered a presentation on data protection compliance, highlighting the need for institutions to establish appropriate measures for the collection, processing, storage and management of personal information.

Participants included School Administrative Officers, Departmental Administrative Officers and senior administrative personnel serving in the University’s directorates, centres and units.

The engagement is expected to support the University’s efforts to improve compliance processes, promote responsible information management and strengthen confidence in how personal data is handled across the institution.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Innovation), Prof. E.B. Etuk, and the Registrar, Mr. Chiedozie Uba, represented by a Deputy Registrar and Coordinator in charge of the Central Registry, also accompanied the Vice-Chancellor’s representative to the event.