The Click-On Kaduna Data Science Fellowship Programme (DSFP) has marked a significant milestone with the graduation of 40 fellows from its fourth cohort, reaffirming Kaduna State’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable data ecosystem that supports evidence-based governance and inclusive development.
The graduation ceremony commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Bukar Baba Alhaji, Statistician General of the Kaduna State Bureau of Statistics, who underscored the fellowship’s critical role in the state’s data revolution strategy.
“Today, we celebrate a milestone. These 40 fellows are not just graduates—they are becoming a model for data-driven governance in Nigeria. The DSFP is a bold and strategic initiative to build a data ecosystem that supports better decision-making and improved service delivery.”
Aisha Sani, Head of Digital Development at the Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI), highlighted the evolution of the programme and its alignment with current global trends in data and technology.
“With the rapid advancement of AI, automation, and data engineering, we knew this cohort had to be different. We reimagined the fellowship to include specialization tracks. Kaduna needed builders and problem-solvers—people who could use data to shape lives and systems. That’s exactly what this group represents.”
The event featured goodwill messages from development partners, including Dr. Shammang, representing the Gates Foundation, who commended the fellows for their dedication and resilience.
“Completing the DSFP is a testament to your commitment to solving real problems through data. As you take your next steps, remember that your work has the power to create lasting change.”
The Head of Service, Jumai Bako, reflected on the programme’s origins and growth, offering a heartfelt message to the graduates:
“I was part of the planning team when the Click-On Kaduna initiative was first conceived. It’s truly heartening to see how far it has come. As graduates, you now carry the responsibility of being good ambassadors of Kaduna State. Apply what you’ve learned—your communities are counting on you.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Mukhtar Ahmed, applauded the fellows as tangible proof of Kaduna State’s investment in young talent and digital innovation.
“This isn’t just a graduation, it’s a bold statement of our state’s vision for a future powered by talent, data, and technology. You are no longer just trainees; you are stewards of data-driven development. Carry this knowledge with purpose and keep solving real-world problems.”
As part of the ceremony, the graduating fellows were officially inducted into the DSFP Alumni Network, joining a growing community of professionals advancing data-driven development across Nigeria and beyond.
Representing the graduating class, Umar Balarabe—a civil servant and lecturer at Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic—delivered a powerful valedictory speech:
“Over these six months, we’ve grown from curious thinkers to confident analysts. The fellowship didn’t just give us technical skills—it gave us the courage to dream bigger and act bolder. On behalf of all the graduates, I thank our mentors and partners. We carry a shared responsibility now to apply what we’ve learned to uplift our communities.”
With this fourth cohort, the Click-On Kaduna Data Science Fellowship has now trained 150 fellows, each one a catalyst for data-driven transformation across Nigeria.
