How data innovator Olayinka Hamed is bridging gaps in statistical modeling

In an era of unprecedented technological advancement, Nigeria is steadily positioning itself as a hub for data-driven innovation.

At the forefront of this movement is Olayinka Hamed Olalekan, an accomplished data scientist and business analytics expert whose career epitomemises the convergence of technical proficiency and strategic insights.

Olayinka Hamed Olalekan’s academic journey reflects his deep commitment to excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Lagos, a Master of Science in Statistics, Analytics and Computer Systems from Texas A&M University, and is on track to complete his Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics at Western Illinois University by December 2024.

Beyond his Academic Qualifications Olayinka Hamed Olalekan is an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the International Statistics Institute (ISI), American Statistical Association (ASA), and International Association of Official Statistics (IAOS). His affiliations reflect his commitment to fostering global collaboration in statistical and data science research.

These qualifications, complemented by distinctions in his studies, underpin his extensive expertise in both theoretical and applied data science.

Olayinka Hamed Olalekan’s professional trajectory is equally remarkable. As a Manager Data Science and Analytics Team at Discover Product Inc., he has not only demonstrated his mastery of advanced data analytics but also proven to be a strategic leader.

He has spearheaded automation processes, improving efficiency by 25%, and identified a $40,000 revenue opportunity using advanced regression analysis and big data techniques.

His innovative dashboards created with Tableau and Power BI have revolutionized decision-making across teams, showcasing his ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Before joining Discover Product Inc., Hamed honed his analytical and teaching skills as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Texas A&M University, where he taught statistical methods and SQL programming to undergraduate students.

His role in developing e-learning modules for Statistical Analytic Software (SAS) programming underscores his passion for mentoring the next generation of data scientists.

Olayinka Hamed Olalekan’s tenure as a Senior Data Analyst at Interswitch Limited further cemented his reputation as an expert in financial and technological analytics. By leveraging advanced statistical modeling and data mining techniques, he uncovered profit opportunities and optimized data operations, reducing downtime by 30%. His collaborative approach with data engineers and business leaders resulted in the development of cost-effective strategies that enhanced revenue generation.

One of Olayinka Hamed Olalekan’s most significant contributions to the field is his groundbreaking research in statistical resampling methods. In a study co-authored with renowned statisticians Stephen A. Sedory and Sarjinder Singh, titled “An Improved Sufficient Bootstrapping,” Olayinka Hamed Olalekan introduced an innovative resampling method that enhances the estimation of critical parameters like mean, variance, and standard deviation. The Improved Sufficient Bootstrapping (ISB) method addresses limitations in conventional bootstrapping by imputing dropped units with the overall sample mean. Through rigorous numerical and simulation studies, Olayinka Hamed Olalekan demonstrated ISB’s superiority in efficiency and reduced computational burden, marking a significant advancement in statistical methodology.

Speaking about the study, Hamed remarked, “Our proposed ISB method bridges a critical gap in statistical resampling, offering improved accuracy and efficiency for data scientists tackling complex datasets. This innovation has far-reaching implications for both academia and industry.”
Olayinka Hamed Olalekan’s expertise also extends to cutting-edge tools and technologies. His proficiency spans across data analytics systems like SQL, Snowflake, and Tableau, Python Programing, statistical software such as SAS and MATLAB, and machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow and Scikit-Learn. His ability to integrate these tools into practical business solutions has consistently driven efficiency and innovation in his projects.

His role as a thought leader is further evidenced by his contributions to Professional Service company ABAX-OOSA Professionals, where he designed integrated financial tracking systems and optimized data migration processes using Azure Data Factory. His efforts streamlined operations and enhanced data quality, earning him recognition for his strategic problem-solving capabilities.

Olayinka Hamed Olalekan’s work embodies a unique blend of technical expertise, academic rigor, and business acumen. His success in identifying data-driven opportunities, coupled with his ability to implement cost-saving strategies, has positioned him as a critical asset in the organizations he serves.

As Nigeria and the global data science community continue to evolve, Hamed’s contributions serve as an inspiring testament to the power of data in solving complex challenges. Whether through his research in statistical resampling, his leadership in analytics-driven decision-making, or his dedication to mentoring future data scientists, Hamed is shaping the future of data science, one innovation at a time.

In reflecting on his career, Olayinka Hamed Olalekan emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and collaboration. “Data science is not just about numbers; it’s about transforming data into meaningful insights that drive real-world impact. That’s where the true power lies,” he shared.