In a jubilant ceremony attended by government officials and other dignitaries, the Click-On Kaduna State Data Science Fellowship Program (DSFP) celebrated the graduation of its third cohort. The event, held on April 17, 2024, showcased the culmination of six months of intensive training and dedication from the fellows.
Under the guidance of the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics and Natview Foundation, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DSFP 3.0 has emerged as one of the key pillars for data-driven governance in Kaduna State. The program, designed to equip young professionals with the skills needed to harness the power of data, has made significant strides in shaping the future of data science in the region.
Distinguished guests, including the Commissioner of the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission and the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, commended the fellows for their dedication and perseverance in overcoming challenges and mastering the complexities of data science. While giving his keynote speech, the Commissioner for the Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed (Monrovia), congratulated the Data Science Fellowship Programme graduates. He mentioned that the Fellows are the torchbearers of a new era fueled by data-driven innovation, empathy, and human-centered design.
The Statistician-General of the KDBS, Bukar Baba Alhaji, PhD, expressed his confidence in the graduating fellows, stating that they will use data for social good, either in government, industries, or nonprofits.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of certificates to the fellows. In honor of the late Dr. Dogara Bawa Magaji, a fellow of the cohort, the presentation of a posthumous award of recognition was given to his family who were also present at the event.
In his speech, the Executive Director of the NFTI, Mr. Nuradeen Maidoki, appreciated the Kaduna State Government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for their unwavering support for the program. He also highlighted the success stories the program has had over the years and that of the graduating cohort.
The graduation ceremony was a testament to the hard work and commitment of the 39 fellows who completed the program. 40% of the graduating fellows are civil servants from the Kaduna State civil service. Imagine the impact they would have on their respective MDAs as they resumed their offices as professional data analysts. Also, at least 20% of our accomplished fellows have already secured remarkable opportunities even before completing their fellowship. Some have secured coveted full-time positions, others have taken on lucrative freelance opportunities, and a few have even earned admission to pursue their Masters or PhDs abroad. These early victories speak volumes about their hard work, talent, and the incredible impact of the DSFP.
