The Department of Mass Communication, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, has partnered with Dataphyte Academy to equip 300-level students with essential skills in data journalism.

According to a statement signed by the Course Representative, Data Visualisation and Infographics , Department of Mass Communication, LASUSTECH, Oshuniran Sheriff Ola : ”The intensive two-day training, held on May 21 and 22, 2026, at the university’s ICT Centre, provided students of the department with both theoretical foundations and practical skills in data-driven storytelling, infographics, and data visualisation.”

The Head of Department (HoD), Dr. Zannu Prosper, said the programme was initiated in response to the rising demand for data-literate journalists in the evolving global media landscape.

Mr. Kehinde Ogunyale, who represented Dataphyte Academy as the lead facilitator, underscored the increasing importance of data skills for journalists and media professionals. He emphasised the need for future media practitioners to master data interpretation, pattern identification, and the visual presentation of complex information to meet the demands of modern journalism.

Also commenting on this perspective, the course lecturer, Dr. Steve Anu’ Adesemoye, highlighted the transformative power of these skills. “Learning infographics and data visualization in Nigeria is not just a technical skill, it is a power multiplier. It equips you to make sense of chaos, influence decisions, advance your career, and contribute to national development in an increasingly data-driven world. Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, civil servant, or professional, these skills help you move from ‘we have data’ to ‘we know what to do with it’.” He concluded.

The largely successful training saw participants introduced to the fundamentals of data visualisation and the strategic use of infographics to transform complex datasets into compelling, accessible stories. It also featured hands-on practical exercises covering the full data journalism workflow: sourcing, verification, cleaning, analysis, and visualization using real-world datasets. Students also explored ethical considerations in data reporting.

At the closing ceremony, the department presented an Award of Excellence to Dataphyte Academy in recognition of its valuable contribution to advancing data journalism education among students.

Awards of Recognition were also given to the Directors of ICT, and Works and Services LASUSTECH, Dr. Alpha Ebole, and Arc. Oluwagbemiga Odeniran respectively for their support in ensuring the success of the programme.

The partnership between LASUSTECH and Dataphyte Academy is expected to continue, with both institutions committed to strengthening data journalism capacity and promoting excellence in media practice in Nigeria’s digital age.