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Convenant University Students Trained on Data Analytics
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.
News
Court Gives Falanas, January Date To Prove Case Against VDM
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A Lagos High Court has adjourned the defamation suit brought by Femi Falana and his son against social media influencer, Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, until January 23, 2025.
The case was brought by human rights activist Femi Falana and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.
VeryDarkMan arrived in court dressed in a red native outfit, accompanied by fans who cheered him on, but the Falanas were not present.
The case could not proceed as several applications filed by the parties were still not included in the court file. As a result, the court decided to adjourn the hearing until January 23, 2025.
On October 14, Justice Matthias Dawodu ruled on an ex-parte application filed by the Falanas, granting them legal protection from defamation. The judge ordered that VeryDarkMan remove a defamatory video he posted on September 24, 2025, which targeted the senior lawyer and his son. Additionally, the court prohibited VeryDarkMan from posting or sharing any defamatory content about them on his social media accounts until the matter is resolved.
The Falanas had filed separate lawsuits seeking N500 million each in damages, claiming that VeryDarkMan posted a video accusing them of accepting N10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to influence a legal matter.
They argued that VeryDarkMan knew the allegations were false but chose to spread them, causing harm to their reputations. The Falanas further pointed out that the video continues to circulate online, further damaging their reputations.
In response, VeryDarkMan applied to the court for permission to appeal the ruling.
He argued that refusing his request would be an injustice, as the case involves significant legal questions that require further examination. He stated, “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole. The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”
News
READ 8 Facts About New Lakurawa Terror Group in North West
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Lakurawa, a new terror group is now wreaking havoc in northwestern part of the country. It was once dismissed as harmless herders.
Initially seen as seasonal migrants, the Lakurawa group has evolved into a powerful militant force linked to jihadist networks in the Sahel.
With roots stretching back six years, Lakurawa has grown under the radar, exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders and limited government oversight.
Here’s what you need to know about this escalating threat and the challenges it poses to the region’s security.
From Herders to Terrorists
Originally seen as seasonal herders from Niger, the Lakurawa group quietly entered Sokoto communities in search of pasture, later gaining a reputation as militants with ties to jihadist networks across the Sahel.
Authorities’ Early Misjudgment
Locals first reported suspicious activities by Lakurawa herders nearly six years ago, but authorities dismissed them as non-violent. However, recent intelligence from Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters reclassifies Lakurawa as a new terror group with connections to extremist networks.
Cross-Border Threats
The Lakurawa exploit Nigeria’s porous borders with countries like Niger, Chad, and Mali, entering remote areas to promote radical ideology, often in Hausa and Fulfulde languages, and impose strict “Islamic” rules on communities.
Unusual Alliances
Invited by local leaders to fend off other bandits, Lakurawa quickly grew from an auxiliary force into a dominant presence, controlling communities through a mix of militant enforcement and religious influence.
Camp ‘Darul Islam’ in Forests
Lakurawa established camps around Gwangwano, Mulawa, Wassaniya, and Tunigara along the Nigeria-Niger border, naming them Darul Islam, or “Abode of Islam.” Their membership has since swelled to over 200 young men.
Escalation and Armed Attacks
Once tolerated by local communities, the group’s violent tendencies surfaced through alleged attacks on military bases and confrontations with Nigerian security forces, marking a shift to full-scale militancy.
Radical Ideology and Social Control
The group enforces stringent rules, often forbidding music and dancing, and collects levies disguised as religious Zakat. They pressure locals to obey these laws, maintaining authority over vulnerable communities.
A Growing Regional Concern
With ties to jihadist groups across the Sahel, Lakurawa’s presence reflects broader security challenges. The breakdown in joint border patrols after Niger’s recent coup has only worsened Nigeria’s exposure to such extremist threats.(PRNigeria)
News
It’s wrong to arrest individuals in place of suspects — Says PSC chairman
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd) has condemned the practice by Nigeria Police Force operatives of arresting individuals in place of actual suspects.
He also frowned at the handcuffing of suspects during arrests, adding that the law prohibits these practices.
A statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, said Argungu made this known
during training on international Human Rights-based policing and effective oversight of personnel of the Police Service Commission.
Ani said the PSC chairman stressed that every suspect must be accorded humane treatment and must not be subjected to any form of torture, cruelty, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The statement read, “DIG Hashimu Argungu, x-rayed human treatment of arrested suspects and declared that a suspect shall be accorded human treatment, having regard to his right to the dignity of his person and not be subjected to any form of torture, cru
Argungu noted that a suspect shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract and shall be brought before the court as prescribed by law or otherwise released conditionally or unconditionally.
He explained that “a person shall not for any reason be arrested in place of a suspect adding that the law prohibits the handcuffing or any other unnecessary restrain of an arrested person, except if there is reasonable apprehension of violence or an attempt to escape; the restrain is considered necessary for the safety of the suspect or defendant or by order of court.”
Ani added the PSC chairman also noted that all over the world, police officers generally have broad powers to carry out their functions and duties.
“He noted that the constitution as amended and other procedural laws, however, place limits on how far Police can go in trying to enforce the law.
“According to him, one of the primary purposes of these laws is to protect citizens from abuses by the government, including police misconduct,” the statement added
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