The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has announced the successful closure of registration for the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) program, reporting a total of 58,820 young Nigerians enrolled across the country.
The registration drive, conducted in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Globe Takers Foundation, ran for 53 days and attracted participants from all six geopolitical zones.
The Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Omolara Esan, disclosed the figures in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the registration numbers reflect young people’s interest in data protection, digital literacy, and personal development.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the significance of the registration turnout, stating, “This is a demonstration of the commitment of young people to nation-building. Every registrant will benefit from the Ministry’s broader youth-focused initiatives.”
The training phase of the program will begin with an initial cohort of 5,000 participants, selected to ensure fair representation from across Nigeria. Olawande assured that the remaining applicants will also have access to related programs, saying, “No youth is left behind.”
YDPAT will adopt a hybrid model, combining online and physical sessions to make the program accessible to participants regardless of location. The selection process is ongoing and will continue through September, with announcements and accreditation expected in October. Virtual training is scheduled to commence in November, while physical sessions will begin in December 2025.
The Minister called on development partners, private sector stakeholders, and state governments to collaborate in expanding the program’s reach. “A collective effort will ensure that more Nigerian youths benefit from digital inclusion and data literacy,” he said.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a generation of digitally aware and empowered youth capable of protecting their rights online while contributing to Nigeria’s data-driven economy.
