Otitoju Femi
In a significant move aimed at repositioning Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) for excellence in the digital era, a team from Data Space paid a high-level courtesy visit to the institution as part of its nationwide Digital Awareness Programme.
The event, themed “Instituting Outlook in the Digital Era,” which was held in collaboration with the FUOYE Alumni Association took place on the 11th September, 2025 at the Fasina Conference Centre, Phase 3 of the university.
The programme, which was the fourth of its kind in Nigerian universities, sought to enlighten students and staff on responsible data usage, digital rights, and the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and data protection in today’s knowledge economy.
Upon arrival, the visiting delegation was formally introduced to the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, and other members of the university management by Professor Olubukola Oyawoye, who welcomed the guests on behalf of the institution.
Speaking at the event, Professor Oyawoye underscored the urgent need to educate university communities on digital responsibility.
She said: “You would admit that our students do not know the limits when using data. They post anything including inappropriate contents on social media without understanding the consequences” while emphasizing that the initiative aimed not only to form a digital awareness club for students but also to address widespread gaps in digital literacy among staff members.
“This programme is here to change that,” she added.
Highlighting the broader relevance of the initiative, she noted the involvement of the university’s Director of Career Services, Professor Aderibigbe, who she described as a vital stakeholder in shaping student futures.
Also speaking at the programme, Barrister Alexander Omoni, a representative of the Data Space team, highlighted the rising concerns over data misuse and digital rights violations.
He said: “One of the major pillars of data protection is human capital. People are often unaware that they have digital privacy rights, including protection around personal and sensitive data.
“We are here to regulate how people interact with the digital space.
“This programme ensures that no one is left behind; students, staff, everyone must be carried along.”
Responding on behalf of the university, Professor Olubunmi Shittu, Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUOYE, expressed gratitude for the visit and the opportunity presented to the university community.
He said: “We are glad to receive you here in FUOYE. It is significant that this is only the fourth university you are visiting. We do not take that for granted.”
However, he raised critical concerns regarding data protection and Nigeria’s capacity for effective implementation, saying that “in Nigeria, we are good at making plans and developing strategies, but when it comes to implementation, we often fail. So the question is: how secure are we in this data space?”
In a deeply reflective moment, he quoted the scripture, saying, “in the latter days, knowledge shall increase. Truly, knowledge has increased, but unfortunately, the way we invest our data are often negative.”
Professor Shittu concluded by pledging FUOYE’s full support for the initiative, stating “we are ready to key into this programme. We will do everything possible to ensure its success and prove to the world that what we are saying — and doing — is real.”
Notable attendees at the event included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, Mr. Dolapo Muftau, Digital Department of Nigeria Data Protection and Privacy, Mr. Sunday Akinkunmi (representing the University Registrar); Professor Aderibigbe, Director of Career Services; Mr. Babatope, President of the FUOYE Alumni Association; and several other dignitaries from the university community.
The Digital Awareness Programme is expected to create long-term impact within the university, equipping both students and staff with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world responsibly and effectively.
By embracing this initiative, FUOYE continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation, digital literacy, and the responsible use of technology hallmarks of a 21st-Century institution.
Photo Credit: Toye Fisher
