The Natview Foundation is delighted to share that the third cohort of the prestigious Click-On Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Programme is set to conclude their three-month intensive training today. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to promoting data science excellence in Africa.
In the last three years, the Natview Foundation, in partnership with the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics (KDBS) and with the funding of the Gates Foundation, has taken immense pride in successfully implementing this impactful programme. Without disruptions, we have provided a conducive learning environment for 110 fellows, nurturing their skills and preparing them for the dynamic world of data science.
Of course, the question on everyone’s mind is, ‘Will there be a DSFP 4.0?’ The answer is a suspenseful wait. While the anticipation builds, our current focus is on the upcoming three months, during which we will work closely with the DSFP 3.0 fellows. Together, we will use real data to make a difference in the lives of citizens, aligning with our mission to use data to drive positive societal change.
This journey has been one of growth, collaboration, and innovation. In another article, we will detail how we have been able to strengthen the fellowship throughout the years. As we approach the conclusion of DSFP 3.0, we reflect on the achievements, challenges overcome, and the incontrovertible impact made by our fellows. The Natview Foundation is still committed to pushing the boundaries of data science training and giving young people the tools they need to succeed in the industry, and connecting with our alumni is the best way to learn about the impact DSFP has had on people’s lives. Their success stories are a testament to the programme’s effectiveness, ranging from placements in top global organizations and advancements in education abroad to securing impactful roles within government agencies. These diverse narratives showcase the tangible outcomes and opportunities that the paid fellowship programme provides.
Of course, the question on everyone’s mind is, ‘Will there be a DSFP 4.0?’ The answer is a suspenseful wait. While the anticipation builds, our current focus is on the upcoming three months, during which we will work closely with the DSFP 3.0 fellows. Together, we will use real data to make a difference in the lives of citizens, aligning with our mission to use data to drive positive societal change.
The Data Science Fellowship Programme (DSFP) has had a truly revolutionary effect on Kaduna State’s use of evidence in decision-making, especially in the health sector. The 70 fellows who have been trained through the programme over the last years have been crucial in implementing several successful projects, proving that data science is essential for better healthcare outcomes in Nigeria. Our fellows have worked on the Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS), developed in collaboration with KDBS and the state Ministry of Health, to optimize data collection processes and improve error workflow management. They have also worked to harmonize the Health Facility Census data with DHIS2 to provide an integrated view, supporting evidence-based decision-making. Fellows have improved health data reporting on DHIS2, ensuring accuracy and facilitating data visualization. Our fellows have carried out tasks on the Health Facility Analytics Platform (HEFA) involving data cleaning, mapping, and verification procedures that have aided in better planning and policy implementation. Some have also actively participated in GIS remote sensing projects, which have yielded valuable insights. The DSFP fellows have taken ownership of the Kaduna State Data Management Community of Practice, stimulating knowledge exchange and effective data management practices in Kaduna State. The cumulative effect of these endeavors exemplifies the substantial impact that DSFP has had on evidence-driven decision-making in Kaduna State.
This year, the programme made tremendous progress in enhancing the efficiency of the government service in Kaduna State by inviting civil servants to apply to join the fellowship. Incorporating civil servants into the programme is a deliberate strategy by the KDBS and NFTI to connect traditional government processes with the changing world of data-driven decision-making. Our objective is to provide government officials with data science training to enhance their proficiency in the essential skills required for contemporary governance.
Congratulations to our DSFP 3.0 cohort for completing the in-class training! As you embark on the fieldwork phase of the programme, we applaud your commitment to attaining proficiency in data science and we wish you the utmost success in applying your recently acquired knowledge to meaningful initiatives in Kaduna State and beyond.
On to the fieldwork, where you’ll undoubtedly continue to make a difference!