NFTI’s recent data science community meet-up in Kaduna gathered data science enthusiasts and experts to explore data’s role in social impact. The event featured inspiring talks by click-on Kaduna data science fellowship program alumni on using data for social good and advocacy, highlighting the influence of data on policy and community change. Attendees also received an exclusive briefing on NFTI’s ongoing longitudinal study that assesses Primary Healthcare Facilities readiness in Kaduna State.
NFTI’s commitment to data-driven change is creating a vibrant community in Kaduna State—one that unites people from diverse backgrounds under a shared goal: using data to address pressing social issues. This community of data champions, including alumni from the Click-On Kaduna Data Science Fellowship, data science enthusiasts, and advocates for social change, is passionate about making a positive difference through data. At NFTI, a data champion is defined as someone who leverages data to drive positive social change, promote evidence-based decision-making, and empower communities through insights that spark real transformation. Data champions commit to ethical practices, inclusivity, and innovation, using their skills to tackle pressing societal issues and make a lasting impact.
One of NFTI’s core beliefs is that data should serve the public good. When properly applied, data can inform public policy, improve healthcare outcomes, optimize educational resources, and address socio-economic disparities. At the foundation, we are working to encourage our Data Science Community to see data as more than a technical skill; it’s a tool for transformative change. This philosophy was brought to life at NFTI’s recent community meet-up, where members gathered to connect, learn, and inspire each other on how data can drive positive outcomes in Kaduna and even beyond.
The NFTI community meet-up was a unique opportunity to deepen the understanding of what it means to be a data champion, with a rich lineup of talks and discussions centered around advocacy, action, and community engagement. Among the highlights were two powerful talks by alumni from the Click-On Kaduna Data Science Fellowship.
In his talk, “Advocacy in Action: Harnessing Community Voices for Data-Driven Change,” Yazid S. Mikali, an alumnus from DSFP 2.0, spoke extensively about how data can empower marginalized communities to be heard in decision-making processes. He emphasized the need for democratizing data access and skills and envisioned a future where everyone, regardless of their background, can be carried along in decision-making processes using data. As a Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data Value Advocate, Yazid’s insights on inclusivity and advocacy inspired attendees to think about how they, too, could champion data-driven change within their communities.
Micah Daniel, a DSFP 1.0 alum, delivered an equally impactful talk, “Why Data for Social Good,” drawing from his experience using data for public service projects. Micah recounted how the fellowship equipped him to drive data-backed initiatives in Kaduna’s state government, where he worked on projects that leveraged data to inform evidence-based policies for social impact. He spoke passionately about the fulfillment of seeing his work make a tangible difference in communities and emphasized the ripple effect that even small data projects can have when applied to public service. His words left attendees inspired, as they saw the direct connection between data science and meaningful impact in public service.
As part of the meet-up, NFTI shared an exclusive briefing on an ongoing longitudinal study. Designed to gather data on trends and outcomes at selected primary health facilities in Kaduna State, this study will provide vital insights to inform long-term decision-making and policy improvements. Through this six-month initiative, NFTI hopes to address complex social challenges in healthcare by equipping policymakers with the data needed for evidence-based interventions. Attendees were encouraged to actively engage with the project, with NFTI looking to leverage the skills and enthusiasm of its data champions to expand the study’s reach and impact.
The NFTI Data Science Community provides numerous benefits for members, from skill-building and mentorship opportunities to hands-on experience in impactful data projects. Members can join NFTI at different points—through training sessions, mentorship, or direct project participation—ensuring that there are entry points for individuals at every skill level and interest area. NFTI’s community meet-up showcased these opportunities, highlighting how members can gain from collaborating on real-world projects while developing essential data skills and making meaningful connections.
As the community grows, NFTI aims to expand its reach across sectors and regions, creating new projects that tackle a range of social challenges through data-driven solutions. The NFTI Data Science Community is open to all who are passionate about using data for social good. Whether you’re a seasoned data scientist, a recent graduate, or someone eager to make a difference, you have a place here.
