I have always been intrigued by data—how it works, how it drives decisions, and how stories can be drawn from numbers. The internet is filled with websites, videos, and both free and paid classes teaching data science. I explored many of them. Some promised mastery and job readiness in just six weeks.
One of those courses left me with only a vague understanding of how to open Jupyter Notebook and nothing else. I didn’t learn a single line of code. There was no clarity, no context, and no direction. It was frustrating. That experience taught me that learning data science takes more than tutorials or webinars. It requires structure, mentorship, and hands-on, real-world experience.
This is what sets the Click-On Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Program 5.0 apart.
The Click-On Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Programme (DSFP) is a six-month, training program designed to provide intensive, practical learning in data science. Fellows learn directly from instructors, collaborate with peers, and work with real data drawn from Kaduna State’s public institutions.
Launched in 2018, the DSFP is the product of a strategic partnership between the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, the Gates Foundation, and the Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI). It aligns with Kaduna State’s broader vision to build a data-literate workforce capable of driving meaningful, data-informed development, particularly in the health sector.
This fifth cohort introduces an exciting component: specialization. For the second time, fellows will have the opportunity to focus deeply on key areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, data engineering, and GIS analysis. This approach allows participants to tailor their learning to their strengths and professional aspirations.
Fellows will also gain access to premium learning platforms like DataCamp, mentorship from industry experts, and exposure to real-time data and decision-making contexts. The program is deeply rooted in practice, beginning in the classroom and extending into collaborative group work, live public datasets, and project partnerships with the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Health, and other state agencies.
Beyond technical skills, DSFP also places a strong emphasis on soft skill development, complemented by regular guest lectures from experts. Fellows are trained in communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, ensuring they graduate as data scientists and professionals ready to work in diverse environments.
Support for fellows is robust. Every participant receives a monthly stipend, internet data, and full access to tools that ensure uninterrupted learning. These provisions are meant to remove financial and technical barriers that often stand in the way of aspiring data professionals.
The achievements of past DSFP cohorts reflect the program’s real-world relevance and impact. Fellows have contributed to:
- Building dashboards for Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS)
- Harmonizing facility data for DHIS2
- Supporting the Human Resource Platform for Health
- Driving the Kaduna State Data Community of Practice
- Cleaning, verifying, and aligning public health datasets
- Participating in longitudinal studies and large-scale data collection efforts
If you are between 18 and 35 years old, with basic computer literacy, a foundational understanding of data, and strong communication and teamwork skills, you are eligible to apply.
Application steps include:
- Fill out the online form
- Activate your account and set a password
- Write a 250-word essay explaining why you should be selected
- Upload a valid means of identification
- If shortlisted, submit a short video
- Take a computer-based test (CBT)
- Attend a one-on-one interview
The programme is also deeply committed to gender inclusion, with a 50% female participation goal. This focus on equity helps create an enabling environment where women are encouraged and supported to grow and lead in tech.
I often reflect on how different my journey might have been if I had discovered this fellowship earlier. But now you know, and the deadline to apply is Friday, July 18th 2025.
This is your opportunity to stop learning in isolation and start learning with structure, mentorship, and impact.
Apply now: https://www.datascience.click-onkaduna.ng/apply-now
