Covenant University Students Gain Data Analytics Skills

Covenant University students recently participated in a two-day immersive data analytics training session led by the McAnderson Institute of Technology, in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB). The training, held at AfDB’s Center of Excellence on Covenant University’s campus, provided students with hands-on experience and industry insights into the rapidly evolving field of data science. This program aligns with Nigeria’s drive to advance tech literacy among its youth, a crucial step in supporting the nation’s growing digital economy.

For more updates on technology-driven initiatives, visit Times of Tech’s tech education section.

Empowering Students with Data Skills

This data analytics training program is part of McAnderson Institute’s broader initiative, aiming to foster Centers of Excellence at Covenant University and Gombe State University. The program, free for participants, connected students with top industry professionals who led them through practical exercises and real-world data applications. The goal is to equip students with the technical skills that are increasingly essential in today’s data-driven job market, helping them stay competitive and ready to excel in the tech sector.

To learn more about the initiative’s impact, explore Tribune Online’s coverage.

Hands-On Learning and Mentorship from Industry Experts

Boluwatife Oludipin, a Google-certified Data Analyst from McAnderson Institute of Technology, led the course, guiding students through various tools and data analytics techniques. Oludipin’s structured, hands-on approach helped students build a solid understanding of data analysis, including methods for interpreting complex data sets and identifying trends in real-world scenarios.

Oludipin was joined by a team of experienced mentors, each offering unique perspectives on data science and software engineering. Notable mentors included Frederick Oscar, a Lead Data Scientist from Adioo Technologies, and Godwin Ebong, a UK-based Data Engineer, both of whom shared insights on data’s role in various industries. Hope Oladele, a UK-based Data Analyst, and Babafemi Ogundipe, a Software Engineer at Chevron, also participated, discussing the intersections between data analytics and software engineering.

The training program concluded with an interactive “Ask a Mentor Anything” session, moderated by Frederick Oscar. During this open forum, students asked the mentors about industry-specific skills, career paths, and strategies for success in data science and technology. The mentors, who also contribute to Mivant’s Mentors Platform, provided students with guidance on building a career in tech and insights into navigating high-impact work environments.

Career Path Insights and the Value of Data Literacy

One of the standout aspects of the program was the opportunity for students to engage directly with industry experts. Each mentor offered practical advice on building a successful career, emphasizing the importance of data literacy across multiple sectors. Babafemi Ogundipe, a senior software engineer at Chevron, highlighted the value of combining data analytics with software engineering, sharing his own experiences in the field and explaining how these skills work together to drive technological innovation.

“Data analytics and software engineering are two sides of the same coin in today’s tech landscape,” Ogundipe shared. “It was a privilege to mentor these bright young minds and help them understand how these fields intersect to solve real-world problems. The skills they’ve gained here will position them to lead innovation in Nigeria’s tech industry.”

Hope Oladele echoed these sentiments, adding, “Analyzing data effectively is more than just a technical skill; it’s a powerful tool for driving innovation. This kind of hands-on training, coupled with personalized mentorship, is exactly what’s needed to prepare students for impactful careers in data science and beyond.”

For more perspectives on the intersection of data analytics and software engineering, explore Times of Tech’s data analytics section.

McAnderson’s Commitment to Empowering Young Talent

The McAnderson Institute of Technology, under the leadership of COO Ajiboye Ayobamidele, remains dedicated to empowering Nigeria’s youth with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a fast-evolving tech landscape. Ayobamidele emphasized McAnderson’s hands-on approach, which bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, ensuring students gain practical experience that will serve them in the job market.

“Our programs are designed to bridge the theory-practice gap,” Ayobamidele noted. “Through hands-on training and access to experienced mentors, we aim to prepare students for successful careers in tech, providing them with the tools and confidence to contribute to Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.”

Networking Opportunities and Real-World Applications

The data analytics training provided an invaluable networking platform for Covenant University students, allowing them to connect with mentors and peers who share their career interests. Students gained insight into diverse career paths, learned strategies for continuous learning in tech, and established professional connections that will support their growth in the data science field.

By working through case studies and data-driven projects, students learned how to analyze and interpret data to inform strategic decision-making. These skills are crucial for entering competitive fields in tech and data science, where data-driven insights are key to success.

As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow, programs like this ensure that young professionals are well-equipped with essential technical skills. Through initiatives like the Covenant University data analytics training, McAnderson and AfDB are building a foundation for tech-savvy talent ready to make an impact in local and global markets.

For more on how tech initiatives are shaping the future of education in Nigeria, check out Times of Tech’s education news