In the ever-evolving world of data science, few professionals in Nigeria have made as significant an impact as Mary Emedom. As a Senior Data Scientist in the banking sector, Mary has leveraged her expertise to develop data-driven solutions that are transforming financial accessibility, economic decision-making, and digital banking services across the country.
While many recognize data science as a tool for business intelligence, Mary has demonstrated how data can be a catalyst for social and financial change. Through her innovative work in predictive analytics, financial modeling, and AI-driven risk assessment, she has been at the forefront of leveraging big data to improve financial inclusion in Nigeria.
One of Mary’s most impactful contributions in 2020 was the development of an AI-powered credit risk analysis model, which was designed to help banks and financial institutions assess creditworthiness for underserved Nigerians. This model analyzed alternative data sources, such as mobile transactions, behavioral spending patterns, and small business revenues, to create an inclusive financial profile for individuals without traditional banking history.
This innovation has been a game-changer in the financial sector, allowing thousands of small business owners, low-income earners, and entrepreneurs to access credit facilities that were previously out of reach. By using machine learning algorithms to assess financial risk, Mary’s work has enabled financial institutions to extend loans to individuals who were previously excluded from the formal banking system.
The impact of this solution was felt nationwide, as banks and microfinance institutions quickly adopted the model to expand their lending services without increasing financial risk. This advancement has boosted small business growth, increased job opportunities, and strengthened Nigeria’s economy, proving that data science is not just about numbers—it’s about people.
Beyond her technical contributions, Mary Emedom has been a leading advocate for data science education and gender inclusion in tech. Recognizing the low participation of women in data science and artificial intelligence, she founded Women in Data Science Nigeria (WiDS Nigeria)—a platform dedicated to mentoring, training, and empowering women to excel in the field of data science.
Through this initiative, Mary has organized data science boot camps, mentorship programs, and scholarship opportunities, enabling hundreds of women to gain hands-on experience in AI, machine learning, and data analytics. Many of her mentees have gone on to secure roles in top financial institutions, tech startups, and research institutions, strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global data science community.
Her dedication to bridging the gender gap in technology has been widely recognized, and her work has inspired more women to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She continues to be a role model, mentor, and advocate for women in the industry, ensuring that the next generation of data scientists includes diverse voices and perspectives.
Mary’s contributions to data science and financial inclusion have not gone unnoticed. In 2020, her credit risk analysis model was adopted by major financial institutions across Nigeria, leading to an increase in accessible micro-loans and SME funding.
Furthermore, her work in promoting ethical AI and data governance has led to collaborations with policymakers, financial regulators, and banking institutions, ensuring that data-driven financial solutions are both inclusive and ethical.
Her influence extends beyond Lagos—from Abuja to Kano, Port Harcourt to Enugu, financial institutions have begun implementing data science solutions inspired by her work. These advancements have enabled millions of Nigerians to access digital banking services, optimize financial planning, and improve economic mobility.
Mary Emedom’s contributions to data science, financial technology, and women empowerment reflect her unwavering commitment to using data for societal transformation. As the world embraces a data-driven future, her work stands as a benchmark for innovation, inclusion, and impact.
With her groundbreaking AI models improving financial accessibility, her mentorship programs shaping the next generation of data scientists, and her commitment to ethical AI guiding national conversations, Mary continues to be a pioneering force in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
