The Data Scientist of the Year Award by Art of Technology, Lagos, shines as a beacon of excellence within the data science community. As a prestigious recognition, this award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and profound impact in the field of data science.

The Data Scientist of the Year Award serves as a catalyst for innovation, inspiring top data scientists to embrace cutting-edge technologies and drive transformative change. By honoring outstanding achievements, the award encourages industry leaders to adopt innovative approaches, enriching their portfolios and setting new benchmarks for excellence. This fusion of technology and data science has sparked a wave of innovation, reshaping the landscape of the industry in Nigeria and Africa, while inspiring a new generation of leaders to propel progress and innovation forward.

At the core of this esteemed honor are the distinguished members of the selection committee, each nationally recognized for their expertise and contributions to the field.

The selection committee comprises a panel of influential professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the evaluation process. Among them are:

Chief Data Scientist, Center for Data Science Innovation, Dr. Nnamdi Okeke.
Director, Institute of Advanced Data Analytics and Machine Learning, Prof. Amos Jatto.
Chairperson, Data Science Integration Initiative, Engr. Rasheed Babawale.
Director of Technology & Innovation, Lagos Innovations Board, Dr. Zainab Ahmed.
Head of Data Science Research, Nigerian Institute of Data Science and Analytics (NIDSA), Dr Kehinde Afolyan.

These esteemed individuals play a pivotal role in meticulously assessing nominees and determining the deserving recipient of the Data Scientist of the Year Award.

The legacy of the Data Scientist of the Year Award is embodied by remarkable individuals who have made lasting contributions to the field. Notable past recipients include:

Chief Data Scientist at Vanguard Analytics Services Ltd (Winner of Data Scientist of the Year Award 2021), Edith Sallly.

Head, Data Science, Wave Technology (Winner of Data Scientist of the Year Award 2020), Ademola Oluwatola.

Senior Data Scientist at Access Bank Plc (Winner of Data Scientist of the Year Award 2019), Esther Taiwo.

Senior Data Analyst at Leadway Assurance Limited (Winner of Data Scientist of the Year Award 2018), Austine Unuriode.

Data Science Manager at Alpha Insight Technologies Ltd. (Winner of Data Scientist of the Year Award 2017), Ahmed Suleiman.

Their visionary leadership and pioneering contributions have raised the bar for excellence in data science.

Since its inception, the Data Scientist of the Year Award ceremony has evolved into a highly anticipated event, garnering widespread recognition and attracting a distinguished array of dignitaries and industry luminaries. From its inaugural year, graced by the presence of the Minister of Information, Governor of Lagos State, Special Adviser on Innovation and Tech to the President, to subsequent editions attended by esteemed guests such as the Director of the Nigerian Institute of Data Science and Analytics (NIDSA), Chairman of the Africa Data Science Consortium, Chairman of the National Data Science Improvement Program (NDSIP), President of Data Scientist Network, and the Minister of Technology in Nigeria, among others, the event has become a cornerstone of the industry calendar.

The popularity of the award ceremony has transcended mere recognition, fostering strategic partnerships with leading institutions such as the Africa Data Science Consortium. Furthermore, the event has garnered sponsorship from prestigious organizations including the National Centre For Technology Management [NACETEM], the Lagos State Government, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and others. These collaborations underscore the broad industry support and validation of the award’s significance within the data science community, cementing its reputation as a pinnacle of excellence in the field.

The Data Scientist of the Year Award by Art of Technology, Lagos, goes beyond being a mere accolade; it serves as a symbol of excellence and a catalyst for positive change in the data science industry. With a distinguished selection committee, illustrious past recipients, growing prominence, strategic partnerships, and a profound impact on inspiring innovation, this award continues to shape the future of data science in Nigeria and Africa.