How to Become a Data Scientist in Nigeria

A data scientist is a professional responsible for collecting, analyzing and interpreting extremely large amounts of data.

As a data scientist, you are to utilize several advanced technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, data virtualization, and data integration.

A Data Scientist plays a crucial role in explaining the significance of data but in a way which can be easily interpreted by others. The professional should possess a lot of skills and a combination of skills related to data mining, machine learning, coding or algorithms.

To become a Data Scientist in Nigeria, the first step is to be interested in Data Science. As opposed to computer science (in general), data science is primarily concerned with large amounts of data.

As mathematics is the bedrock of any scientific discipline, there are several calculations in data science, most of which involves functions, variables, equations, and graphs. It is therefore essential to have a fundamental understanding of the key topics, especially statistics.

Indicating interest in data science isn’t probably enough, as interest, like any other can be lost.

Before attempting to become a data scientist in Nigeria, here are vital questions to consider

Why become a data scientist?

Diving into data science, without having any tangible reason, would eventually leave you all at sea. Going further, you will begin to wonder the essence of solving math problems and engaging in data analytics, and in persistence, you would not be as productive as expected.

What is the current trend of data science in Nigeria?

The trend of data science is the current direction in which it is going. Without understanding this, you would be out of place. Does data science have a good future in Nigeria ? What investments are there in data science?

Which school is suited for data science?

Infrastructure for data science is required for effective education. A school that is poorly equipped won’t have what it takes to impart first hand knowledge on data science. When choosing a university, look into how technological advanced the school is. For a school to offer a course in data science, it should to an extent have the infrastructure required to teach it.

Passion is then required to hold on to the objective of being a data scientist. You must develop passion for data science so as to go even further. Reason being that, interest can easily be lost.

Ensure you do not study data science just because you feel like, but as a result of passion borne from interest.

Here are free online courses to give you a tip of the iceberg.

EdX – Intoduction to Data Science
Advanced Learning Interactive Systems Online (ALISON) – Introduction to Data Science (Revised)
Coursera – Introduction to Data Science Specialization

Certificates can be purchased for the above online courses, upon successful completion.

If you have acquainted yourself with the basics, you can then opt for a degree in data science online from the University of London.

With the BSc Computer Science (Data Science), you will be able to apply for a range of data-intensive technical jobs in sectors such as business, finance, medicine, education, engineering and science and the creative industries. Typical job titles include data scientist, data visualisation engineer, business data analyst, data manager and data engineer.
https://london.ac.uk/courses/computer-science-data-science#career-opportunities-10221