Written by Across Nigeria, organisations increasingly face complex questions around children’s privacy, AI, digital identity, cybersecurity, financial inclusion, health data, workplace surveillance, online safety and responsible innovation.
Yet many organisations, particularly SMEs, cannot afford experienced Data Protection Officers, while Nigeria continues to face a shortage of certified data protection professionals. This skills and certification gap is particularly pronounced among women and young professionals, who remain underrepresented in the privacy profession, and even certified practitioners often have limited opportunities to develop practical experience responding to real-world data protection challenges.
Key Fellowship Details
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
- Format: Virtual 3-month program
- Funding & Support: Funded by UK International Development and supported by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The Data Protection Leadership Fellowship bridges this gap.
This is not simply another certification programme.
It is an intensive professional fellowship designed to develop a new generation of Nigerian ethical, practical and people-centred Data Protection Officers who can confidently support organisations while protecting the rights and dignity of individuals.
Selected Fellows will receive:
- Full sponsorship for the IIM Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) training
- Full sponsorship for the IIM CDPO Certification Examination
- Applied protection modules developed by TechSocietal
- Mentorship from experienced practitioners
- Practical case studies based on real Nigerian and African contexts
- Access to a growing community of practice
- Opportunity to join TechSocietal’s Data Protection Support Hub serving SMEs after successful completion.
What makes this Fellowship different?
The IIM CDPO certification demonstrates that you understand the law. This Fellowship demonstrates that you can apply it.
Beyond certification, Fellows will complete five applied protection modules that explore how data protection principles are tested in practice, including responding to privacy incidents, protecting vulnerable users, managing digital risks, and navigating complex ethical decisions.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from professionals and emerging practitioners passionate about protecting people in the digital age.
We particularly encourage applications from:
- Women professionals seeking to build careers in privacy and digital governance
- Young professionals and recent graduates
- Lawyers
- Technology professionals
- Cybersecurity practitioners
- Compliance and governance professionals
- Risk professionals
- Data analysts
- Digital policy practitioners
- Practitioners from Civil society organisations
- Researchers
- Professionals supporting SMEs and startups
Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in privacy, technology governance, cybersecurity, compliance, or responsible innovation.
Who are we looking for?
This Fellowship is highly competitive. We are not simply looking for applicants who want a free certification. We are looking for future leaders who will use the knowledge to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Successful applicants will demonstrate:
- Curiosity
- Integrity
- Commitment to learning
- Professional excellence
- Willingness to support others
- Passion for responsible technology
Fellowship Expectations
Because the Fellowship is fully funded, Fellows are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment throughout the programme.
Successful applicants will be expected to:
- Attend and actively participate in all mandatory learning sessions.
- Complete all applied protection modules and practical assignments.
- Sit for the sponsored IIM CDPO certification examination.
- Make a genuine effort to pass the certification examination.
- Join TechSocietal’s Data Protection Support Hub upon successful completion and contribute to expanding access to affordable data protection support for SMEs.
- Uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct throughout the Fellowship.
Failure to participate meaningfully or repeated non-engagement may result in withdrawal of Fellowship benefits.
After the Fellowship
- Graduates will become part of the TechSocietal Data Protection Support Hub, a growing network connecting certified professionals with SMEs that need affordable, practical data protection support.
- The Hub combines compliance support with practical protection, helping organisations navigate everyday privacy challenges while creating trusted escalation pathways for more serious incidents.
- Rather than leaving with only a certificate, Fellows leave with a professional community, practical experience, and opportunities to apply their knowledge where it matters most.
We would require every applicant to sign a Fellowship Commitment Agreement before they are admitted.
Not a legal contract, but a professional pledge.
It would include commitments such as:
- I understand this Fellowship is fully sponsored.
- I will dedicate sufficient time to complete the programme.
- I will sit for the certification examination.
- I will prepare diligently with the objective of passing.
- I understand that places are limited and have been awarded competitively.
Application Deadline:31 October 2026
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested and Qualified candidates should use link below to apply.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
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