1. Purpose and Scope

This policy defines the acceptable use of the information and communication technology of the Divine Theological Training Institute (DTTI), including computer laboratories, printers, projectors, staff computers, the institute Wi-Fi network, the website, official email and the e-learning platform, at all branches. It applies to every student, trainer, non-teaching staff member, contractor and authorised guest who uses these resources. Because ICT is provided to support theological training, TVET-style skills instruction and administration, every user is expected to use it lawfully, responsibly and in a manner consistent with the Christian values and reputation of a church-sponsored institute under the African Divine Church.

2. Acceptable Use

ICT resources may be used for coursework, research and reference, sermon and ministry preparation, skills practice, communication with trainers and classmates, access to the e-learning platform, and reasonable personal use that does not interfere with learning or institute operations. Users must log in only with their own credentials, use only the accounts and storage allocated to them, and take reasonable care of the equipment in their hands. Printing and computer time in the laboratories may be rationed during peak periods so that every student gets access.

3. Prohibited Use

The following are strictly prohibited because they constitute offences under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018 or serious breaches of institute rules:

• Unauthorised access to any account, file, system or network, including attempting or sharing another person's password.
• Installing, copying or distributing software, media or files in breach of copyright or licence terms.
• Creating, downloading, storing or sharing pornographic, violent, hateful, fraudulent or otherwise unlawful material.
• Cyber harassment, cyberbullying, impersonation, identity theft or sending threatening or abusive messages.
• Introducing malware, attempting to breach security, or disabling, tampering with or damaging institute hardware, cabling or settings.
• Using institute systems for commercial gain, gambling, betting or political campaigning.

Users must also respect the copyright of authors, software developers and publishers, and must not reproduce institute learning materials for sale or unauthorised distribution.

4. Network, Internet and Wi-Fi Use

The institute Wi-Fi is provided by network name and password issued to registered users; credentials must never be shared with persons outside the institute. Bandwidth is finite, so streaming entertainment, large downloads and online gaming are not permitted during teaching hours. Users may not connect personal routers, range extenders or hotspots that interfere with the institute network, and all devices connected to the network must run updated antivirus protection. Technical staff may monitor network traffic volumes and may restrict accounts that degrade service for others. Filtering is applied to block unlawful and inappropriate content, and attempts to bypass the filter are treated as a serious breach.

5. Email, Messaging and E-Learning Platform Conduct

Every student is issued with an official institute email address, and all academic communication must flow through that address or the e-learning platform rather than personal channels. Messages must be courteous, truthful and signed with the sender's real name; sending abusive, fraudulent or bulk unsolicited mail through institute systems is prohibited. On the e-learning platform, students must submit their own work under their own accounts, must not attempt to alter marks or records, and must treat discussion forums with the same respect required in a classroom. Trainers publish course materials, announcements and assessments on the platform, and students are responsible for checking it regularly.

6. Data Protection and Privacy

DTTI collects and processes personal data of students, staff, alumni and applicants, including names, admission details, contacts, academic records, photographs and, where relevant, health and financial information. All processing complies with the Data Protection Act 2019: data is collected for specified educational, administrative and pastoral purposes, held securely with access limited to staff who need it, and not sold, rented or shared with third parties except as required by law or with the data subject's consent. A data protection focal person is designated under the Registrar's office to handle requests by individuals to access, correct or delete their personal data, and any suspected data breach is reported immediately so that notification obligations under the Act are met. CCTV recordings are stored for a limited period and used only for security purposes.

7. Security Incidents and Reporting

Users must report lost or stolen devices, suspected account compromise, phishing messages, viruses, ransomware demands or any strange system behaviour to the ICT officer at their branch within twenty-four hours. Users must never respond to, forward or act on suspicious messages requesting passwords or payments purporting to come from the Chief Principal or any officer. Prompt, good-faith reporting of an incident is never punished; concealment of an incident is.

8. Enforcement and Sanctions

Breaches of this policy lead to withdrawal of network and laboratory access, and where the breach is academic or disciplinary in nature, referral to the disciplinary procedure. Conduct amounting to an offence under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018, such as unauthorised access or cyber harassment, will additionally be reported to the police and may lead to prosecution. Users remain responsible for all activity carried out under their credentials.

9. Review and Support

The ICT department offers orientation to all new users at the start of every intake and a helpdesk service during working hours at each branch. This policy is reviewed every two years and immediately upon any material change in technology, law or institute systems.