Empowering Data-Driven Decision-Making: Click on Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Program

?Introduction

The capacity to harness the power of data has become crucial for governments, corporations, and organizations in a world that is becoming more and more data-centric. In response to this, the Kaduna State Government launched the Click on Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Program in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation. This visionary 5-year project is designed to strengthen data coordination and promote evidence-based decision-making within the state.?

The Data Science Fellowship Program

The Click on Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Programme is a pivotal component of Kaduna State's Data Revolution Plan. It aims to build human capital in the field of data science and equip young talents with cutting-edge tools for making informed decisions. Over the course of 5 years, the program aims to empower 100 youths in cohorts, providing them with the necessary skills to excel in data-driven careers.?

The Impact of the First Cohort

The first cohort of the fellowship program has already achieved remarkable success. 30 young individuals underwent an intensive 6-month training program, where they were fully immersed in data science and its applications in decision-making. The focus of this cohort was the health sector, highlighting the program's adaptability to address pressing societal challenges.?

The Impact of the Second Cohort

The success of the first cohort serves as a testament to the program's effectiveness, with its graduates already making remarkable impacts in Kaduna, Nigeria, and beyond. This instills confidence that the second cohort will similarly become influential data leaders in their domain.

These graduates now possess the expertise and knowledge to tackle complex data challenges and contribute to data-driven decision-making across various domains.

As data professionals, their ability to make data-driven decisions and leverage insights will contribute to societal progress and development.

These fellows have added significant value to the work of the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics. They demonstrated resilience and personal strength during their intensive training and practical field experiences, showcasing their readiness to contribute to data initiatives.

DSFP 2.0 has graduated 40 skilled data scientists. It is hoped that these data leaders will play a pivotal role in shaping the world's future, where data-driven decisions drive progress and prosperity.

The DSFP 3.0 Third Fellows

The Click-on Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Program is currently preparing for its third cohort. In this round, 30 fellows will be carefully selected to ensure gender equality, comprising a diverse mix of civil servants from the Kaduna State government and other young individuals. The applicants have already submitted their applications, which include essay writing, videos, and other required documents. DSFP 3.0 is scheduled to commence soon.

Coursework and Learning Activities

Participants of the Data Science Fellowship Programme embark on a comprehensive 6-month journey. The program is divided into two phases: a 3-month classroom-based training, and a subsequent 3-month fieldwork training with real-world projects. During the classroom phase, fellows receive rigorous instruction, gaining expertise in data analysis, machine learning, data visualization, and other crucial data science techniques. Furthermore, the whole program is a paid fellowship for 6 months.

Practical Experience and Collaboration

The highlight of the program lies in its 3-month paid internship phase. Fellows have the unique opportunity to work closely with the Amina J. Mohammed SDGs Data Lab under the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics. This hands-on experience allows participants to apply their newfound skills to real-world challenges, contributing directly to the state's development goals.?

Fostering a Data-Driven Culture

The Click on Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Program not only imparts technical skills but also fosters a data-driven culture. By promoting the use of data for evidence-based decision-making, the program nurtures a generation of professionals who understand the transformative impact of data analytics in solving complex problems.?

Acknowledgment

The Click-on Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Program owes its existence to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i, the Governor of Kaduna State, who provided unwavering support and guidance in building a robust statistical system. Thanks to his leadership, this initiative has successfully nurtured 70 skilled young individuals in data science, with 30 more to be equipped based on the partnership terms, ultimately aiming to develop 100 data scientists. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the "can-do" spirit fostered by His Excellency's guidance.

Special recognition is due to the following important personalities, whose contributions are integral to the Click-on Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Program and their names deserve mention:

1. Muhammad Sani Dattijo, Former Commissioner of Budget and Planning
2. Haj. Umma Aboki, Former Commissioner of Budget and Planning
3. Dr. Baba Bukar Alhaji, Statistician General of the Bureau of Statistics, Kaduna State

4. Click-on Kaduna Team ?

5. Natview Foundation for Technology and Innovation ?

Conclusion

The Click on Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Program is a forward-thinking initiative that seeks to revolutionize how data is collected, analyzed, and utilized for decision-making in Kaduna State. By investing in the capacity-building of youths through this program, the state government, along with its partners, is paving the way for a brighter, data-driven future. As the program progresses, it will undoubtedly produce a cadre of skilled data scientists who will play a crucial role in shaping the development landscape of Kaduna and beyond.

For more information about Click-on Kaduna Data Science Program, kindly click on the link below??