Privacy Policy – Ichoku Academy

Effective Date: July 24, 2026

Last Updated: July 24, 2026

1. Introduction & Scope

Ichoku Academy (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is an Igbo music school dedicated to preserving indigenous music traditions, folk songs, and traditional instruments through physical and online classes, rehearsals, and recitals.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), guidelines from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and international privacy standards (such as the GDPR) for our global online users.

This policy applies to:

Students (adults and minors under 18).
Parents and legal guardians.
Website visitors and online platform users worldwide.
Staff and instructors.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the essential data needed to provide our educational services:

Contact & Identity: Name, age/date of birth, email address, phone number, physical address, and emergency contact details.
Parental Data: Contact and verification details for guardians of students under 18.
Financial Data: Payment history, bank details, and transaction records (handled via secure, encrypted payment processors).
Academic Records: Attendance, instructor notes, skill progress, and lesson schedules.
Media: Photos, audio, and video recordings from classes, rehearsals, and public recitals.
Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and cookies collected automatically when you visit our website.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website and booking platforms to enhance your user experience, analyze site performance, and support our operations.

Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic website functionality, secure login, and operating our online booking calendar.
Performance & Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website (e.g., page views, site traffic) so we can improve navigation and content delivery.
Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences, such as language or region settings, to provide a personalized experience.
Managing Cookies: When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie banner allowing you to accept or customize your preferences. You can also disable or clear non-essential cookies at any time through your web browser settings. Please note that disabling essential cookies may impact certain features, such as scheduling a lesson online.

4. How We Use Your Data

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

To Deliver Services (Contract): Managing enrollments, class schedules, virtual sessions, and tuition payments.
To Communicate (Legitimate Interest): Sending class updates, timetable changes, and academy news.
To Promote Our Mission (Consent): Showcasing student achievements, recital clips, and photos on our website and social media.
To Comply with Law (Legal Obligation): Meeting accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements in Nigeria.

5. Protection of Minors & Media Rights

Protecting the privacy of children is a priority.

Parental Consent: We do not collect data from or enroll students under 18 without explicit consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Recital & Marketing Media: Photographs and audiovisual recordings of minors will only be published online or in promotional materials if the parent or guardian has signed our Media Consent Form.
Opt-Out: Parents or adult students can grant, withhold, or revoke media consent at any time without losing access to music instruction.

6. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal data. We only share information with trusted third parties who comply with the NDPA and global privacy rules, including:

Service Providers: Cloud storage, online classroom, analytics, and automated communication platforms.
Payment Gateways: Secure payment processors for local (Nigerian) and international tuition payments.
Event Partners: Concert halls or cultural venues requiring attendee lists for event logistics.
Legal Authorities: Regulatory or law enforcement bodies when strictly required by law.

7. Data Security & Retention

Security: We use encryption, secure servers, access controls, and firewall protections for digital data, along with locked storage for physical files.
Retention: We store active student data for the duration of enrollment. Financial records are kept for 6 years to comply with Nigerian tax law. Inactive account data is archived for 2 years before secure deletion, unless you request earlier removal.

8. Your Legal Rights

Under the NDPA and international data laws, you (and parents of minor students) have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you.
Correct inaccurate or incomplete details.
Delete your personal data (“Right to be Forgotten”).
Restrict or Object to how we process or use your data.
Withdraw Consent for media usage, cookies, or marketing at any time.
Transfer your data to another service provider (Data Portability).

9. Amendments and Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect regulatory changes or updates to our online programs.

When changes occur, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. For significant updates—such as changes to media rights or third-party data sharing—we will notify you directly via email or a prominent notice on our website homepage. Your continued use of our services or website confirms your acceptance of the updated terms.

10. Contact Us & DPO Details

If you have questions, feedback, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

Data Protection Officer (DPO): Ichoku Academy
Email: privacy@ichokuacademy.com / info@ichokuacademy.com
Phone: +234 [Insert Academy Phone Number]
Address: [Insert Office Street Address], Anambra State, Nigeria

If you feel your data rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) at ndpc.gov.ng.