By Kayode Sanny

Covenant University students have gained invaluable data analytics skills through a rigorous 2-Day Data Analytics Course held at the African Development Bank Center of Excellence.

Recently, McAnderson Institute of Technology, in partnership with the African Development Bank, launched Centers of Excellence at Covenant University and Gombe State University.

The free program brought together top industry professionals to provide hands-on training and mentorship, empowering students with critical technical skills that are increasingly essential in today’s job market.

Boluwatife Oludipin, a Google-certified Data Analyst from McAnderson, led the two-day training program, guiding students through practical exercises and real-world applications of data analysis. Oludipin’s expertise and structured approach provided students with a foundational understanding of key data tools and methods used across various sectors.

Supporting Oludipin were esteemed experts, including Frederick Oscar Lead Data Scientist from Adioo Technologies Ltd, Godwin Ebong, a Data Engineer from UK; Hope Oladele, a Data Analyst based in the UK; and Babafemi Ogundipe, an expert Software Software Engineer with Chevron. Each of these mentors contributed their vast experience and industry knowledge, facilitating interactive learning throughout the course.

The program concluded with a well-received “Ask a Mentor Anything” session, where students had the opportunity to engage directly with the panel of experts. During the session, Frederick Oscar anchored the discussion, and the mentors, who are also part of Mivant’s Mentors Platform, answered questions on careers in software engineering, data science, industry skills, and insights into working with tech and data in high-impact environments.

This open forum allowed students to explore various career paths and discuss practical strategies for building successful careers in data science and tech.

Babafemi Ogundipe, a Senior Software Engineer at Chevron, also joined the program as a mentor, sharing his extensive experience in software development and its intersection with data analytics. His contributions enriched the students’ learning experience, offering them a broader perspective on how software engineering drives innovation in the tech industry.

Also, Frederick Oscar, a Lead Data Scientist at Adioo Technologies and an expert mentor at McAnderson, served as both a mentor and facilitator for the course. With his profound expertise in data science and advanced analytics, Oscar guided students through complex data challenges, providing insights into the real-world applications of data-driven decision-making across industries.

As a mentor with McAnderson, he has played a key role in shaping the careers of numerous young professionals, empowering them to harness the power of data in real-world contexts. He shared:

“Mastering data analytics is a significant advantage in nearly every industry. Seeing the enthusiasm and commitment of these students affirms the vital role they will play in the future of Nigeria’s tech landscape.”
Godwin Ebong, a Data Engineer from UK, echoed the transformative potential of data literacy. He said:

“Data-driven decision-making is fundamental to both private and public sectors. With this training, students not only gained critical skills but also understood how their knowledge can drive innovation and development.”

Hope Oladele, a mentor and Data Science expert based in the UK, expressed his deep optimism for the students’ potential and future contributions to the tech industry:
“It’s truly inspiring to witness students who are not only eager to learn but are also ready to tackle real-world challenges using data.

The ability to analyze data effectively is more than just a technical skill—it’s a powerful tool for driving innovation and solving complex problems. This kind of hands-on training, coupled with personalized mentorship, is exactly what’s needed to prepare these students for impactful careers in data science and beyond.

Babafemi Ogundipe also shared his insights into the intersection of software engineering and data analytics:
“Data analytics and software engineering are two sides of the same coin in today’s tech landscape. It was a privilege to mentor these bright young minds and help them understand how software development and data science intersect to solve real-world problems. I’m confident that the skills they’ve gained here will position them to lead innovation in Nigeria’s growing tech industry.”

As the COO of McAnderson Institute of Technology, I am dedicated to ensuring that our programs empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Our hands-on approach to learning bridges the gap between theory and real-world application, preparing students for impactful careers in tech.”

– Ajiboye Ayobamidele, COO, McAnderson Institute of Technology

Real-World Learning for Nigerian Youth
Through Boluwatife Oludipin’s leadership and the support of McAnderson Institute of Technology, students experienced an immersive learning environment. By working through case studies and hands-on projects, participants learned how to navigate complex data sets, interpret trends, and understand the relevance of data in strategic decision-making.

The training also provided a valuable networking platform, allowing students to connect with experienced mentors and peers who share their career ambitions.
McAnderson Institute of Technology’s commitment to enhancing technical skills among Nigeria’s youth was evident in the success of this event, which bridged academic knowledge with industry standards. With the skills and connections gained from this training, Covenant University students are now better equipped to excel in the competitive data science and tech fields, contributing to Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.