Last Tuesday, NFTI kicked off an intensive capacity-building training program for members of the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics (KDBS) staff, focusing on practical, hands-on learning of R programming. The participants were introduced to R as an exploratory tool for manipulating and handling large datasets and received training on how to use R for statistical analysis, data visualization, machine learning, and sampling. NFTI’s training approach emphasizes the practical application of R programming to real-world data management challenges, enabling participants to gain valuable hands-on experience that they can immediately apply in their work at the Bureau.
Capacity-building sessions for the bureau’s staff members are part of an ongoing effort to support the KDBS in developing a data management framework that moves them beyond simply producing data to becoming a consumer and users of data as part of the Kaduna State data revolution plan.
The implementation of the Data Lab Project has leveraged the power of R programming and several other tools to enable data-driven decision-making and the development of evidence-based programs and policies. By utilizing R’s statistical analysis and data visualization tools, the Kaduna Bureau of Statistics has been able to identify key health indicators and assist the state government to develop targeted interventions to improve health outcomes in the state. The success of this approach demonstrates the value of investing in capacity-building and adopting innovative tools like R programming to drive positive change in communities.
