From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
In a bid to reduce graduate unemployment in Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, the Adeniji Foundation of Statistical Science (AFSS) in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, has trained eight graduates, comprising six males and two females, in statistical science.
The training will position them rightly to make sense of the ever-expanding data landscape, draw meaningful conclusions, and guide the society towards informed and equitable decisions.
A colourful graduation ceremony was organised for the new statistical scientists on Thursday at the foundation’s office, besides Ibadan Business School, Bodija, Ibadan, where the founder of the foundation, Dr. Abidemi Adeniji, said beneficiaries were trained free of charge. He added that 29 candidates actually applied for the training, out whom 22 were shortlisted. H noted that some candidates could no cope, some absconded and some came late for interviews, which was why only eight among them actually completed the training.
Adeniji, who stated that a total of US$36,000 was expended on training the new statistical scientists, apart from cost of his frequent visits to Nigeria from abroad and cost of accommodation between January and November, this year, saying: “Today, we celebrate the graduation of AFSS inaugural class. This graduation marks the achievement of a milestone of a dream. I dream that this area of the world is globally recognised as a hub for data science and statistical science. The first step towards that dream begins with training students towards a globally recognised skill.
“Over the course of this year, from January through last week, the student received 24 weeks of formal classroom instructions in statistical programming as applied to the pharmaceutical industry.
Following the 24weeks of formal classroom instruction, they received an additional 12weeks of paid internship.
“In total, students received 36 weeks of training, plus we held invited talks and seminars on various topics such as interview preparation, résumé building, and actual interviews. I want to underscore that the totality of training offered was free to all students. None of the students paid a single Kobo.
“The exodus of our youth onto foreign land is a humanitarian crisis. This foundation was conceived on the spirit of service, and it was built to address the trifecta of the lack of Technology, Infrastructure and Education. We have provided the Technology, Infrastructure, and Education so that our youth may eventually, significantly, and purposefully contribute to the economy of this land rather than electing to Japa!”
Meanwhile, Dr. Omoyajowo Bamidele, from the University of Ibadan, in the keynote address he delivered on the occasion, emphasised the significance of statistical science in today’s data-driven world. He commended the graduates for their dedication, hard work, and intellectual curiosity, highlighting their emergence as experts in the field.
He explained that statistical science is more than just formulas and methods saying it is a powerful tool for extracting meaning from vast amounts of data, and it enables individuals to transform chaos into clarity, make informed decisions, and contribute to solutions for pressing global challenges.
Bamidele urged the graduates to utilise their skills for the betterment of society, emphasising that the world needs individuals, who can make sense of the ever-expanding data landscape. He reiterated the importance of upholding ethics and integrity in their work, reminding the graduates that behind every data point lies a human experience. He encouraged them to communicate their insights through compelling narratives, making statistics accessible and relatable to a wider audience.
Two among the newly trained statistical scientists, Olabode Maranroola, who was the class representative for the 2023 stidents, Ayoola Adisa, thanked the foundation for the gesture, saying the organisation has taught them how to catch fish. They promised on behalf of their colleagues to be worthy ambassadors of the foundation.