Data Scientists Network – DSN (also known as Data Science Nigeria) recently held the 5th edition of its annual Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp.
This event has left an indelible mark on the landscape of data science education and AI practice within Nigeria and Africa.
Over an intensive six-day period, the transformative bootcamp provided an interactive platform for participants from the data science industry and academia, featuring comprehensive learning sessions to equip them with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in the dynamic field of artificial intelligence.
Participants at the AI Bootcamp were selected through a highly competitive and transparent qualification process, commencing with a 5-day Free Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Classes, followed by a 50-day pre-bootcamp learning program, conducted in collaboration with Microsoft Nigeria.
During this phase, over 10,000 learners across 70 different locations participated in the Microsoft Skills for Job challenge after which more than 500 participants took part in the Qualification Hackathon and project participation, out of which 104 emerged victorious, securing coveted seats in the DSN 2023 Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp.Â
The hybrid nature of the Bootcamp accommodated participants at the DSN AI hub and others who joined virtually, who were fully immersed in crucial emerging AI topics, including Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Prompt Engineering, Geospatial AI, Deep Learning, and Large Language Models (LLMs), Research Writing, Ethical considerations in AI Development, as well as a comprehensive Career Fair.
These topics were meticulously curated and delivered by industry experts and global thought leaders. Renowned keynote speakers, including Prof. Kirk Borne, Dr. David Adelani, Toyin Aguda, Toyosi Odukoya, Emeka Okoye, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, among others, took different sessions at this year’s edition.
The sessions offered a unique blend of theory and practical experience; ensuring participants were well-equipped to tackle real-world challenges in the dynamic realm of AI.
Furthermore, the bootcamp featured presentations of Cash prizes/grants to outstanding participants, with awards given to the Top 5 Poster Presentations and Top 5 Hackathon Submissions in both the Azure/Python and Power BI Track, and the most impressive members of the DSN AI campus communities over the last 12 months, crowned as Mr. And Miss Algorithm. Â
“The DSN Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp stands as a testament to our commitment to nurturing data-driven innovators and building the largest community of AI talents, world-class researchers, and problem-solvers,” stated Olubayo Adekanmbi, Founder and Lead Mentor, Data Science Nigeria.
“We are immensely proud of the participants’ growth and transformation as they conquered challenges, collaborated with peers, and demonstrated the potential to revolutionize industries through AI.”
The bootcamp’s resounding success underscores DSN’s dedication to advancing data science education and fostering a culture of innovation. As the world of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, initiatives like the DSN Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between theory and practice.
DSN is a transformative capacity-building social enterprise that spearheads indigenous digital skill advancement across Africa. It has played a pivotal role in nurturing digital competencies at a significant scale, having engaged with more than 800,000 learners.
This outreach encompasses diverse learning modalities, including in-person instruction, online education, hybrid approaches, project-based learning, and active participation in employment opportunities.
This expansive effort spans the entirety of all states in Nigeria and extends its impact to 13 other nations within Africa.
At its core, DSN is fuelled by a visionary objective of raising 1 million Artificial Intelligence talents, equipped to build localized solutions that will improve the quality of life of over 2 billion people in emerging markets.
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