98% Data Scientists Believe Artificial Intelligence Has a Future in Ibadan

As cities in Nigeria continue witnessing growth in data science learning and data usage, the preliminary results of our study on Ibadan have indicated that the city remains one of the cities in the South-West region that would continue to witness massive development in learning and use of data to solve numerous socioeconomic and political problems.

This is gleaned from the view of 98% emerging data scientists out of 51 sampled by our team for the forthcoming report titled Ibadan Data Economy and Emerging Data Scientists. Out of this percent, 56.9% held strong conviction that data science is pervading business and public affairs in the city, 51% held strong conviction that professional level course should be flexible and responsive, while 45.1% held strong conviction that data science academic courses/training may need to be industry-approved and accredited.

Exhibit 1: Sectors Data Scientists Have Worked

Our analysis also reveals that 76.5% agreed that coordination is needed between and universities. The sampled data scientists have worked in various sectors within and outside the city. Over 39% have worked in education sector, 13.7% in banking sector, 11.8% in agriculture sector, 7.8% in health sector, 5.9% in insurance, and oil and gas sectors respectively. Over 25% have gained foundational and advanced knowledge and skills, accessed a wide range of data on socioeconomic and political issues in the state and in Nigeria in general.

They have equally participated in local and international data science competitions. More than 23% have acquired foundational knowledge and skills, 9.8% have had foundational knowledge and skills including advanced professional skills. Further details of the study will be released in a report expected to be fore-worded by a seasoned professional in data economy and artificial intelligence, our analyst notes.