Data is King!

In secondary school, I avoided science courses mainly because their processes seemed too fixed and rigid. I often questioned why it had to be done a certain way to reach a conclusion. What if I wanted to take a different route or let my thoughts wander in another direction? The formula seemed insistent on sticking to its own path, leaving little room for exploration.

One course that always left my mind scrambled was Further Maths – as if regular mathematics wasn't tedious enough, they had to create a course to take it further (laughs nervously). My major challenge with mathematics at that age was translating it into real-world, tangible experiences. Because I hadn't had a lot of experiences, I struggled to relate to many of the examples. So, I learned just enough to pass my examinations but not enough to apply the concepts to real-life situations.

I was so excited about heading to university, having discovered my passion for general and applied psychology. Despite taking the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) exam twice, I insisted on pursuing this course and attending a specific school because it felt like a calling. My fascination with the mind and the myriad ways of understanding life kept me committed to my journey. But guess the unexpected companion that appeared in my course load? Statistics. It was in my course load for all my years and was a 4-credit load (the highest credit load on any course). I couldn't help but wonder why mathematics was persistent. Why was it so important, and why is it found in different fields, even those not traditionally associated with core sciences?

In 2017, I was selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship , and during this experience, everyone talked about big data being the new gold. Blockchain technology was gaining fast attention, and this was where I heard the phrase "Data is King". In that experience, I learnt that data isn't just for calculations or being Nerdy but serves as a tool to break down and understand our actions. It provides valuable insights that empower us to make informed decisions about virtually anything.

Working with my colleagues, Hosea Yakubu, PhD and Ernest Ezeogu , I have realised that working with data should not be overly complicated so that everyone can be a part of it. The essence of data analysis activities boils down to simply collecting the necessary information you need to understand what you are doing, using it to make changes to fix things if they start to go south or veer off course from the original plan and learning from it so you can replicate it some other time.

I have also learned that we need to understand the role of data analysis and how to use the information it brings, stripping away the jargon and unnecessary terminologies that often make it seem overly complex so it doesn't become such a chore.

Have you ever made a meal that you considered a culinary masterpiece or created a record-breaking recipe that was the best thing anyone has ever tasted, but it currently is only a distant memory because you did not write out the recipe or take down the measurements? You simply relied on your ancestors whispering the right amount in your ears as you created. And now, when you explain it, sometimes it's unbelievable because there is no evidence; this is because data is king.

For any project, regardless of its size or stage, even during the initial phases, collecting data is as crucial as implementing the project. What's more, ensuring that you collect the right information is equally as vital. Data serves as the evidence that showcases each step of the work. It's the visual representation that illustrates the impact your efforts have achieved. Without data, it's almost as if your work didn't exist.

So I encourage you to:

• Learn the basics about data collection and analysis.
• Learn the basics of using a tool that makes data collection and analysis easy (Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, Kobo toolbox, Microsoft Power BI, Google Data Studio, etc.)

I am not asking you to become a pro overnight; I am asking you to learn the basics so that you will not "Explain Taya" in the words of contemporary philosopher Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu.

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Until the Next Time.

Eva.