Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has joined 60 other Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) in endorsing the “Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy.”

The joint statement was coordinated by the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group (IEWG) of the Global Privacy Assembly, underscoring the growing concerns regarding the privacy risks posed by Artificial Intelligence tools capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable individuals.

The joint statement highlighted concerns over the misuse of AI-powered tools to create non-consensual imagery, defamatory content, and other harmful materials, particularly affecting children and vulnerable groups.

In a statement yesterday, signed by its Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, NDPC called on organisations to implement strong safeguards, ensure transparency, provide effective content removal mechanisms, and comply fully with applicable data protection laws.

It explained that the current effort forms part of a continuum of steps being taken by Nigeria to ensure the responsible use of AI.

MEANWHILE, education leaders and scholars have warned that artificial intelligence and climate change are fundamentally reshaping the landscape of higher education, urging Nigerian universities to urgently reform curricula, research priorities and governance systems to remain relevant.

The call was made at the first colloquium held at Lead City University, Ibadan, in honour of Prof. Jide Owoeye at 70, where stakeholders examined the future of tertiary education in a rapidly evolving global environment.
Owoeye is the founder of LCU.

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Umaru Pate, said universities must respond proactively to emerging global disruptions, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), climate change, insecurity and shifting labour market demands.

According to him, traditional academic silos were becoming obsolete, stressing that interdisciplinary learning is now essential in preparing graduates for a world shaped by automation, digital transformation and environmental challenges.

The consensus at the gathering was that higher education can no longer operate on outdated models. Instead, institutions must embrace technological advancement and environmental responsibility as central pillars of development.