Call for Applications: TechSocietal Data Protection Leadership Fellowship 2026 for Nigerians
Applications are open for the TechSocietal Data Protection Leadership Fellowship 2026.
This is a fully funded professional development opportunity designed to equip Nigerian professionals and emerging practitioners with practical skills in data protection, privacy, cybersecurity and responsible technology governance.
The fellowship aims to develop a new generation of skilled and ethical data protection professionals who can help organisations safeguard personal information, address privacy risks and strengthen digital trust.
With the growing use of digital technologies across businesses and public institutions, the programme seeks to bridge the gap in data protection expertise, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that need affordable privacy and compliance support.
What the Fellowship Offers
Successful applicants will receive sponsorship and professional development support, including:
- Fully sponsored training for the IIM Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) qualification.
- Full sponsorship for the IIM CDPO certification examination.
- Practical data protection modules based on real-world challenges.
- Mentorship from experienced data protection practitioners.
- Case studies reflecting Nigerian and African contexts.
- Access to a professional community of data protection practitioners.
- An opportunity to join TechSocietal’s Data Protection Support Hub after successful completion.
Through these benefits, fellows will develop practical knowledge and professional experience to help organisations manage data protection responsibilities and promote responsible technology use.
The fellowship does not advertise a cash stipend; its principal benefits are sponsored training, certification, mentorship and professional development.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to Nigerian professionals and emerging practitioners interested in data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, compliance and responsible innovation.
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- Women interested in privacy and digital governance.
- Young professionals and recent graduates.
- Lawyers and legal practitioners.
- Technology and cybersecurity professionals.
- Compliance, governance and risk management practitioners.
- Data analysts and digital policy professionals.
- Civil society practitioners and researchers.
- Professionals working with SMEs and startups.
Applicants should demonstrate integrity, a willingness to learn, professional commitment and an interest in strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Fellowship Requirements
Selected participants must be prepared to commit time and effort to the programme. Fellows will be expected to attend mandatory learning sessions, complete practical modules and assignments, and sit for the sponsored IIM CDPO certification examination.
Participants must also maintain high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct throughout the fellowship.
Following successful completion, fellows are expected to join TechSocietal’s Data Protection Support Hub and contribute to providing accessible data protection support to SMEs.
Applicants should therefore consider the programme’s participation requirements before applying.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is October 31, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants can complete the online application form through the link below:
Applicants should provide accurate information and review the fellowship requirements before submitting their applications.
For further information, prospective applicants can consult the TechSocietal fellowship announcement.
With applications closing on October 31, 2026, the fellowship offers Nigerian professionals and emerging practitioners an opportunity to build specialised data protection skills, earn a professional certification and contribute to a safer, more responsible digital environment.
