Lagos, Jan. 27, 2026 (NAN) Students from various secondary schools in Lagos on Tuesday called for greater awareness and responsible use of personal information online.
The students made the call at the 2026 School Debate Competition on Data Privacy and Data Protection, aimed at promoting safe digital practices among young people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the school debate competition was organised by the Data Knowledge Information and Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI).
NAN also reports that the competition, in its second edition, is part of activities to mark the Data Privacy Day on Jan. 28.
The event had the theme: ‘Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technology: Trust, Ethics and Innovation’.
In his opening remarks, the President of DKIPPI, Mr Tokunbo Smith, said data privacy was central to protecting human dignity and building trust in the digital age.
Smith said that as young people increasingly learned, played and interacted online, personal data such as names, photographs, school records and online activities had become valuable assets that must be protected.
”Data privacy is not only about laws or technology; it is about respecting people, protecting dignity and doing what is right, even when no one is watching,” he said.
According to him, the competition is designed to help students understand their roles as “data citizens.”
He said that while students were users of technology today, they would become future leaders, innovators and policymakers.
Smith added that privacy encouraged confidence, built trust and supported safe innovation, stressing that ideas shared at the competition would contribute to a safer digital future.
Speaking after the event, a 16-year-old student of the International School, University of Lagos, Victor Adedeji, said the competition had boosted his confidence and deepened his understanding of data privacy.
Adedeji, who emerged second in the contest, said many young people mistakenly believed that data privacy concerned only adults.
“Students also need data privacy because it drives our lives. It is not only about your own data but also about other people’s information, which should not be shared or mocked,” he said.
He added that recognising the collective nature of data privacy would help young people build a better future.
The winner, Miss Esther Alex-Emode, a Grade 8 learner of Great Destination Schools, Gbagada, said the competition taught her the importance of safeguarding personal information.
“Anything you post online stays there. Even if you delete it, data is forever. Likes are temporary, but data lasts and creates a footprint in your life,” she said.
Alex-Emode urged students to be cautious about what they shared on social media, noting that online actions could have long-term consequences.
Similarly, the second runner-up, Miss Divine Ihemenam, a JSS 2 student of Tee-Tops College, warned that careless online posts could affect future opportunities, including employment.
”If you delete something, do not think it is gone forever. It can affect you in the future and even stop you from getting a job,” she said.
Ihemenam said she intended to create awareness among her peers about the global reach of online content and the need for caution in sharing sensitive information.
The competition featured debates and presentations by students on data protection, online responsibility and digital ethics, with organisers saying it was part of broader efforts to instil privacy-conscious behaviour among young Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Olaolu Oguntuyi encouraged students to be mindful of their digital footprint.
Oguntuyi said that when one learned something, one should teach others, noting that breaking learning meant breaking continuity.
He said the essence of the debate was to encourage sensitisation and create awareness on the importance of safeguarding personal data.
Also, a teacher from L-Lead College, Mr Rafiu Aina, encouraged participants to see themselves as champions for taking part in the debate.
Aina said the opportunity of being present at the competition had made them global champions and advocates of data privacy.
He, however, admonished them to take the competition as a privilege and use it to educate other young people.
NAN reports that highlight of the event was the decoration of the 12 schools that participated in the competition with medals.
The winners would be presented with backpacks, power banks and other devices at the Data Privacy Day celebration on Jan. 28. (NAN)
