Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI) conducted a four-day Longitudinal Study (L.S) 2.0 refresher training for Data Champions across Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, and Makarfi Local Government Areas as part of ongoing implementation efforts.
The refresher training was designed to reinforce the study methodology, strengthen data quality standards, and address operational clarifications ahead of continued facility-level assessments.
Across the four days, there was high-level stakeholder participation from State and Local Government institutions, reflecting strong institutional alignment and ownership of the process.
During the Kaduna North training, participants included Umma Usman; Hajiya Amina Lami Aliyu of the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics (KDBS); and Umar Usman, Zonal Monitoring and Evaluation Officer representing the State Primary Health Care Board.
At the Kaduna South session, stakeholders in attendance included Hope Asabe Yerima, Health Secretary for Kaduna South; Tagang Cephas, Kaduna South Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; and Maryam Yusuf and Aisha Aliyu from the State Primary Health Care Board.
The Chikun training recorded participation from Bosan Amos Bitrus of Chikun Local Government; Kati Micheal of Chikun Local Government; Ahmed Aliyu of the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics (KDBS); and Adam Jerry, Senior Routine Immunization Officer.
The training was facilitated by Mr. Bashir of NFTI, who led participants through a detailed review of the Longitudinal Study 2.0 methodology and all three modules of the main data collection tool. Data Champions accessed the tool via QR code and conducted guided test entries to ensure clarity and consistency in data capture. Technical support was provided on Supply Chain Management (SCM) components during the sessions, and the image tool was also reviewed to strengthen documentation standards during facility assessments.
Key technical clarifications were addressed during the sessions, including verification of Cold Chain Equipment ownership to prevent facility-level misclassification, documentation gaps linked to unavailable or relocated registers in renovated facilities, vaccination outreach reporting procedures, and confirmation of reporting designations where applicable.
A notable feature of Longitudinal Study 2.0 is the continued piloting of skilled Data Champions—independent data scientists strategically deployed within 2–5 kilometers of assigned Primary Health Facilities (PHFs). Their proximity allows for contextual understanding of the communities they assess, while their independence ensures objectivity in data capture. Operating from a non-clinical lens, the Data Champions apply analytical rigor and structured inquiry to evaluate facility readiness, particularly in the areas of Human Resources for Health (HRH) and Supply Chain Management (SCM). This approach enhances neutrality, strengthens accountability, and generates insights that are both technically sound and grounded in local realities
The four-day refresher training strengthened coordination between NFTI, State actors, and participating LGAs, reinforcing standards for accurate, context-sensitive, and methodologically sound data collection in the continued implementation of Longitudinal Study 2.0.
