From driving operational efficiency to enabling strategic decision-making, data management is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Yet, in many regions such as Nigeria, this understanding has yet to fully take root.

Globally, forward-thinking organizations are treating data as a strategic asset, building data-driven cultures, and investing in robust governance frameworks to ensure data quality, security, and utility.

Chief Data Officers (CDOs) are increasingly becoming key figures in the C-suite, responsible for overseeing data governance, compliance, analytics, and innovation.

However, in Nigeria—a country with a rapidly expanding digital economy—only four banks have appointed a CDO, highlighting a significant gap in data leadership and awareness.

This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Without sound data management practices, organizations risk regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and operational inefficiencies. On the flip side, those who invest in proper data governance, data quality, metadata management, and master data strategies can unlock significant value and build a sustainable competitive advantage.

Berkeley Data Strategists: Leading the Change

Berkeley Data Strategists is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. We are currently engaged with First Bank of Nigeria to empower their data team through the globally recognized Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) program. This initiative provides practical, best-practice-based training aligned with DAMA-DMBOK2 standards, equipping First Bank’s team with the tools and knowledge to build a mature, agile, and secure data environment.

This partnership is a bold step in the right direction, positioning First Bank as a leader in data governance maturity within the Nigerian financial sector. By investing in CDMP certification and embedding best-in-class practices, First Bank is setting a benchmark for other institutions to follow.

A Call to Action for Nigerian Banks

We urge all banks and financial institutions across Nigeria to follow First Bank’s lead. The risks of poor data management are simply too high—and the benefits of getting it right are too great to ignore. Whether your organization is at the beginning of its data journey or seeking to elevate its existing capabilities, Berkeley Data Strategists is here to support you with tailored frameworks, expert-led training, and hands-on implementation support.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you transform your data into a trusted, strategic asset—because in today’s world, data is not just an IT issue—it’s a business imperative.

For consultation, training, and CDMP certification support, reach out to Berkeley Data Strategists at CEO@berkeleydatastrategists.com or visit www.berkeleydatastrategists.com.

This was revealed at a meeting with the CEO of the Berkeley Data Strategists and the association of the Northern Nigerian Students led by Jibrin Balarabe, the president.

The discussion in the meeting centered on how they can work together to empower every Nigerian graduate with Data Management and Data Governance skills. This will help provide job opportunities in Nigeria and the diaspora.

Speaking on the importance of Data Management, Ajiboa, described as the process of ingesting, storing, organising, and maintaining the data created and collected by an organization. Effective data management in IT systems is crucial to running business operations and delivering information that helps drive decision-making by corporate executives, business managers, and, other end users.

The data management process includes different functions that aim to make data accurate, available, and accessible.

IT professionals and data management teams do most of the required work. However, business users typically participate in the process to ensure that data meets their needs and to help create internal data standards and usage policies as part of data governance programs.

This esteemed position is largely attributed to the visionary leadership of Adetokunbo Ajibola, whose innovative strategies and dedication to excellence have propelled the company to new heights.

Under Ajibola’s stewardship, Berkeley Data Strategists has significantly expanded its portfolio of services, addressing a wide array of data governance challenges and delivering bespoke solutions that cater to the unique needs of their clients.

Their approach combines cutting-edge technology with best practices in data management, setting new industry standards.

Ajibola, who took the helm as CEO six years ago, has been instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the company.

His leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of data literacy across all levels of an organization, a principle that has been central to Berkeley Data Strategists’ success.

“Our mission is to empower businesses through effective data management. We believe that well-governed data is the cornerstone of innovation and growth,” Ajibola stated in a recent interview.

The recognition comes at a time when the importance of data governance has never been more pronounced. With businesses increasingly relying on data to drive decision-making and innovation, the demand for skilled data management professionals has soared. Berkeley Data Strategists has responded by launching a comprehensive training and recruitment program, aimed at developing the next generation of data governance experts.

Industry analysts have lauded Ajibola’s efforts, highlighting the company’s role in shaping the future of data management.

“Berkeley Data Strategists, under Ajibola’s leadership, has set a benchmark for excellence in the field. Their comprehensive approach to data governance and commitment to quality are what sets them apart,” said an industry expert.

As Berkeley Data Strategists continues to grow and evolve, Ajibola’s forward-thinking vision for the company ensures it remains at the forefront of the industry.

With a robust strategy in place for the future, the company is well-positioned to maintain its status as the premier data management consultancy, transforming the way businesses harness the power of their data.

Ajibola, while explaining the concept of the digital economy to stakeholders, especially as Nigeria’s push towards a digital economy, said it is sustainable to use data management as it also plays a crucial role in its success.

According to him, to build a robust digital economy, Nigeria needs a strong foundation of digital infrastructure. Data management ensures that the necessary hardware and software are in place to support digital services and transactions.

However, effective data management can help bridge the digital divide by ensuring that digital services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. This inclusivity is key to maximising the benefits of a digital economy.

Data management enables the efficient functioning of e-government services, making it easier for citizens to access public services online. This not only improves convenience but also enhances transparency and reduces bureaucratic bottlenecks.

He said in a digital economy, data is a goldmine for businesses. Proper data management allows companies to analyze consumer behaviour, market trends, and other relevant information, fostering innovation and informed decision-making.

As the digital landscape expands, so do cybersecurity threats. Effective data management includes robust security measures to protect sensitive information, safeguarding both individual privacy and national security.

Financial Inclusion: Data management is instrumental in developing and maintaining secure digital financial systems. This is particularly important in a country like Nigeria, where promoting financial inclusion can significantly impact economic growth.

Skills Development: A digital economy requires a workforce with the necessary skills. Data management plays a role in facilitating education and training programs to equip individuals with the skills needed for the digital era.

International Collaboration: With proper data management practices in place, Nigeria can actively participate in the global digital economy. This involves collaborating with international partners, sharing data securely, and staying aligned with global standards.

In summary, the success of Nigeria’s digital economy is intricately tied to how well it manages and leverages data. A strategic and responsible approach to data management can propel the country forward in the digital era, fostering economic growth and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.

Themed “The Data-Driven Business: Unlocking the Power of your Data,” the event was a celebration of data in its myriad applications, from sports to sciences, and everything in between. OneBank, Katwig & Dale, Uber Infobip, TechEconomy, DataCamp, Berkeley, among others, are some of the event’s partners.

DataFestAfrica is a platform showcasing diverse careers within the data space, including Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Data Engineers, AI/ML Engineers, Low Code Developers, Students, Researchers, Data Managers, Data Consumers, and Recruiters. The event emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making across different sectors.

Data meets Soccer

Victory Ogbegbor, Data Scientist, United Kingdom, Ex Chelsea Football Club,  shared insights into the growing influence of data in sports, specifically football. He highlighted how analytics and data-driven insights are reshaping the soccer landscape, aiding clubs, coaches, and players in making strategic decisions. His journey from data courses to the world-renowned football club highlighted the limitless possibilities within the data space.

“There is no just ordinary football club, they are all businesses and they have profit. I am saying this because I am in a community that has invested a lot in fintech data, agric data, health data, etc. If you can crunch fintech numbers, you can launch football data.

I had little experience and had not worked football data before so it was literally a conversation about how I can handle football data like business data that made me get into Chelsea.

Expand your possibilities, anything can happen. Don’t limit yourself to any sector. Do your research, take courses, keep learning. As the opportunity presents itself, you have to be able to learn on the job.”

From Molecules to Organisms: Data in Sciences

Zainab Ashimiyu Abdusalam, a Research Assistant at NIMR, discussed the applications of data in the sciences, focusing on fields such as computational biology, computational chemistry, bioinformatics, and drug discovery. She emphasized the significance of data in research and personalized therapy, highlighting the intersection of science and technology in these endeavors.

Adetokunbo Ajibola, Berkeley Data Strategists, reiterated the importance of data management, stating that data is about people, processes, and technology. He highlighted the need for trusted data, emphasizing data quality and governance, stressing that understanding the human element and organizational processes are essential in effective data management.

Panel Discussion: Building High-Performance Data Teams

Moderated by Ayodele Oluleye, Head of Data and Insights at ARM, the panel discussion explored building high-performance data teams in industries such as finance, technology, and machine learning, among others.

Panelists included professionals from leading organizations, sharing insights on team roles and dynamics – Olutoyin Ogunmola, Head of Enterprise Data and Analytics, Stanbic IBTC Bank in Nigeria; Olamide Jolaoso, Head of Data & Analytics, Wema Bank; Peter Olomolaiye, Data Engineer, Microsoft and Adejoju Ajani, Head, Data Analytics/Engineering, Interswitch Group.

Key Takeaways:

Ownership as a Critical Trait:

Panelist Peter Olomolaiye emphasized the importance of ownership as a defining trait of high-performing team members. Owning projects end-to-end, taking responsibility, and solving problems were identified as key indicators of a high-performing individual.

“Ownership is paramount within a team. When a team member owns a project entirely, they can make decisions confidently and handle issues efficiently. It’s about taking responsibility and ensuring the project’s success from end to end. This ownership mindset fosters accountability and high-quality work within the team.”

Soft Skills and Professional Mastery:

The panel stressed the significance of soft skills, such as communication, curiosity, and initiative. Employers were encouraged to look beyond technical skills and focus on candidates’ attitudes and willingness to learn. Organizations were advised to promote professional mastery, allowing employees to attend events, conferences, and engage in continuous learning.

Employee Engagement and Recognition:

To attract and retain top talent, organizations were urged to provide competitive compensation, focus on employee well-being, and foster an inclusive and psychologically safe environment. Recognition of employees’ efforts and skills within the organization was highlighted as crucial for talent retention.

Elaborating on the key roles needed for a data team to be highly effective, especially considering different sectors such as finance and technology, Olutoyin Ogunmola, Head of Enterprise Data and Analytics, Stanbic IBTC Bank in Nigeria said: 

“In any enterprise data team, there are key roles that play vital functions. Data scientists are the core individuals who handle modeling and analysis. Data analysts interpret these analyses in the context of the business. Data engineers manage pipelines and ensure proper data infrastructure. Metadata engineers focus on data quality and governance. Data quality specialists ensure clean and accurate data. It’s essential to integrate these roles effectively within the organization’s structure.”

Soft skills are often overlooked but are vital for the success of data professionals. Adejoju Ajani highlighted the importance of softer skills such as curiosity, communication, and attitude. Speaking further, she shared more about how these skills contribute to the team dynamics and overall success.

“Soft skills are the bedrock of a successful team. Curiosity drives continuous learning and innovation. Effective communication ensures seamless collaboration and understanding between team members and stakeholders. A positive attitude creates a conducive work environment, promoting collaboration and creativity. When hiring, focusing on these softer skills ensures the team functions cohesively and achieves exceptional results.”

Attracting and retaining top talent is challenging, especially considering the trend of people leaving organizations swiftly. Olutoyin Ogunmola emphasized the importance of professional mastery, fair compensation, social recognition, and creating a psychologically safe environment. He also expanded on how organizations effectively implement these practices to retain their best talent.

“Implementing these practices requires a holistic approach. Organizations should invest in continuous learning opportunities for their employees, allowing them to master their skills. Fair compensation, not just in monetary terms but also in wellness benefits, ensures employees feel valued. Social recognition, both internally and externally, boosts morale. Lastly, fostering a psychologically safe environment encourages employees to express their ideas and concerns freely, leading to a more engaged and loyal workforce.”

These practices collectively create a work culture where data professionals thrive, ensuring their long-term commitment to the organization and fostering a high-performance data team.

DataFestAfrica 2.0 showcased the evolving system of data-driven decision-making across various sectors. The event emphasized the holistic approach to data management, focusing not only on technical skills but also on soft skills, employee engagement, and continuous learning.

This is an enabler for  organizations to navigate the data-driven future, embracing these principles will be key to building and retaining high-performance data teams.