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Data Science Could Improve Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange – Adekanmbi
Olubayo Adekanmbi, the Convener of Data Science Nigeria (DSN) has said that data science could be a major Foreign exchange earner for the country if it’s well harnessed.
He said that data science is the fastest growing in the world and by implication has huge demand for data scientist, this means that Nigeria can become an outsourcing hub for data scientist just like India is in software.
He stated this over the weekend at the Award night for the intercampus machine learning competition and deep learning hackathon organized by Data Science Nigeria in Lagos.
According to him, “The fact is that today in the world data science is the number one carrier, it is the fastest growing in the world.
“So the implication is that demand for data science is not met in the US, in the UK and in Canada, they are all looking for data scientist.
“Interestingly it’s predicted that by 2020 US will have about two million data analytic vacancies that they cannot fill.
“Why can Nigeria not become an outsourcing headquarters, where these projects can be outsourced because these things are virtual projects, they are data projects, they are not jobs that you have to there physically.
“So we can begin to create outsourcing businesses in Nigeria that will be doing these projects for all these international companies, like what is already happening in India and as we do that we will bring more forex into Nigeria and increase our GDP as a country and the multiplier effect of that will drive massive micro economic impact that will bring incremental social welfare and actually make our country much better.”
He added that aim of Data Science Nigeria is to raise new breed of experts who will contribute to driving the Nigerian narratives as far as Artificial intelligence is concerned.
Adekanmbi explained that in a few years from now greatness of any country will be directly proportional to their use of AI.
He said “if you look at what is happening in China, UAE and America, you will realize that the future belongs to the countries that use AI.
“This is why we’ve taken time to start investing in our talents before we go through another second slavery because we failed to uplift ourselves.”
He explained that Nigeria has raw talents that need to be harnessed so as to create the effect that will drive economy impact in the country.
Speaking on the sideline, Ismael Kone, Ivorian national who came to Nigeria from morocco to participate at the boot camp, explained that his reason for participating in data science Nigeria boot camp is in line with the common goal of solving African problem by Africans using AI.
Kone commended organizers of data science boot camp for putting together such gathering that will help Africans solve African problems,
He added that if this is sustained in Nigeria in the near future the country will becoming an AI Hub in Africa.
According to him, “we have the same mindset here in Africa of using AI to solve problems and this is something that have been in phases during this boot camp.
“I met a medical student in this camp and we are thinking about how we can do something about malaria and we know that, it is a big threat in our society right now, Ivory Coast is not left behind, we have the problem.
“So I think that with this kind of gathering, it will help us to empower Africans to talk about solving our problems.
“And I see in the near future a bright future for Nigeria, with all these people that came here to just learn about AI, Nigeria will eventually become an AI Hub in Africa”.
He added that his experience at the data science Nigeria boot camp has been amazing, stressing that before he came to Nigeria he had an unpalatable image about Nigeria but now that he is here everything is different.
He noted that Nigerians are very hospitable and accommodating people.
In a recent revelation from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Airtel Nigeria has emerged as a standout performer in the country’s telecommunications sector, marking significant gains in market share over the past year.
According to the NCC data, by the end of March 2024, Airtel Nigeria has grown its market share over the last year into a remarkable 29%, solidifying its position as a leading telecom provider in the region.
In stark contrast, other mobile network operators such as MTN and 9mobile have faced considerable setbacks, with MTN witnessing a notable 3.19% decline in market share and 9mobile experiencing a 0.5% decrease.
Even Glo, a prominent player in the market, saw a decline, albeit less pronounced, with a 0.58% drop in its share of internet subscribers.
Airtel Nigeria’s success story goes beyond market share gains. The company has also witnessed a substantial surge in its share of internet subscribers, boasting an impressive 165% basis points increase.
This surge correlates with the launch of Airtel 5G, which the company began rolling out in June 2023 and underscores the telco’s continued push to grow its customer base nationwide.
Airtel Nigeria’s ascendancy in the telecom market comes at a pivotal moment when mobile network operators face challenges of rising operations cost and exchange rates volatility. The company’s recent results solidify its position as a frontrunner in Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Google Developer Groups Lagos (GDGLagos) has announced a regional edition of the global #BuildWithAI hackathon, in partnership with SeerBit, Africa’s most trusted payment solutions provider and GOMYCODE.
This hackathon, taking place on Saturday, April 27th and Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, will empower participants to explore Google’s AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI and develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
“We are excited to partner with Seerbit and GoMyCode to bring the #BuildWithAI hackathon to Lagos,” says Co-Organizer, GDGLagos, Femi Taiwo. “This event fosters innovation and empowers individuals to use AI to solve real-world problems. We encourage everyone interested in AI to join us for this inspiring event.”
Founder & CEO of SeerBit, Omoniyi Kolade articulated the profound impact of this collaboration, stating, “At SeerBit, we are committed to pioneering innovative solutions that enhance financial security and foster trust in digital transactions. Collaborating with GDG Lagos amplifies our quest to combat fraud effectively. Together, we aim to empower developers to harness the power of technology for the greater good, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.”
“At GOMYCODE, we are committed to unlocking the potential of innovators across Nigeria and beyond through accessible technology education. The ‘Build With AI’ hackathon with Google Developer Groups Lagos offers a hands-on chance for innovators to use AI for real-world solutions. We’re excited to create a space where technology meets creativity, empowering participants to actively shape the future,” Country Head, GOMYCODE Nigeria, Babatunde Olaifa said.
The #BuildWithAI hackathon aligns with Google’s global initiative to democratize access to AI technology. This regional event in Lagos offers a unique opportunity for developers, data scientists, designers, students, and anyone curious about AI to:
- Gain hands-on experience with Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, Gemini and Vertex AI.
- Tackle real-world challenges across various sectors like sustainability, finance, education, healthcare, and social good.
- Leverage SeerBit’s expertise in digital payments to create solutions with tangible applications.
- Develop in-demand skills with the support of GoMyCode’s training resources.
- Collaborate in teams and network with fellow AI enthusiasts.
- Compete for a chance to win a cash prize of NGN 1,000,000, office space to further develop their winning solution, and the opportunity to partner with SeerBit, with NGN 500,000 and NGN 250,000 for second and third place respectively.
The GDGLagos #BuildWithAI hackathon serves as a springboard for the global Google AI Hackathon, taking place online. This international event focuses on pushing the boundaries of what Generative AI apps can do with Gemini. Participants in the Lagos event are highly encouraged to consider entering the global competition as well.
GDGLagos will provide ongoing support and guidance to the regional winner as they prepare to compete on the global stage. This includes access to mentorship, resources and technical expertise to help them refine their solution and showcase their talent to a worldwide audience.
Startup founders, experienced developers, data scientists and expert resources and designated mentors will be available during the hackathon to provide guidance, refine ideas, answer questions and offer technical support to participants. This ensures they receive the necessary guidance to tackle the challenges and bring their innovative ideas to life.
Telecommunications service provider, Airtel Nigeria has collaborated with the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) to provide with unlimited internet access at the institute’s inaugural edition of the Nigeria Public Relations Week.
The trailblazing event themed ‘Leveraging Public Relations as a Critical Asset for Nigeria’s Economic and Reputation Renaissance’ is set to run from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, and will welcome thousands of delegates across Nigeria to the prestigious June 12 Cultural Centre, nestled in the heart of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Speaking on the strategic collaboration, Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, Airtel Nigeria, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Airtel is proud to support the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations in its endeavor to advance the field of public relations.
“The relevance of public relations practice in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as it plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, managing reputations, and influencing public opinion. Hence, our support is a demonstration of our commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with innovative solutions that drive progress and create an enabling society.”
According to NIPR, through the PRWeek Organizing \Committee Chairman, Mr Yomi Badejo Okusanya, the NPRW will gather over 2,000 experts in the fields of economics, PR, and nation-building to discuss strategies for effectively communicating government policies and initiatives to the public.
Other activities at the NPRW will include conferences, the annual general meeting, workshops, induction of new members, breakout sessions with students as well as traditional rulers and a tour of some legacy projects in Ogun state.
With Airtel’s provision of onsite unlimited data connection, attendees and participants can enjoy unparalleled access to online resources, real-time updates, and interactive engagements throughout the duration of the event. This will significantly support the exchange of ideas, foster networking opportunities, and elevate the overall experience for all stakeholders involved.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to offering unwavering support for initiatives aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
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