IASC Webinar Champions Statistical Mentorship to Shape Future of Data Science in Africa

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In a bid to foster the next generation of data scientists and statisticians across Africa, the African Members Group of the International Association for Statistical Computing (IASC-AMG) held a thought-provoking webinar titled “Advancing Statistical Practices through Statistical Mentoring.”

The event was led by Dr. Monday Osagie Adenomon, Associate Professor of Econometrics and Financial Time Series at Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Dr. Adenomon, who also serves as Chair of the IASC African Members Group and ISI Short Course and Outreach Officer (2023–2025), used the platform to promote mentoring as a transformative tool in the fields of statistics, data science, and STEMM at large.

“Mentorship is a crucial activity in which science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine professionals engage to develop the next generation,” Dr. Adenomon stated.

He explained that statistical mentoring, in particular, aims to connect experienced statisticians with emerging talents in a structured and supportive relationship that nurtures both professional and personal growth.

He emphasised that mentorship is far more than occasional advice.

“Mentoring relationships are personal, reciprocal, and should be built on planned activities. They provide role modelling, career development, and psychosocial support,” he said.

One of the key highlights of the webinar was a practical guide on how mentees can identify suitable mentors.

Dr. Adenomon encouraged participants to define their career goals clearly and seek mentors who align with those aspirations, whether within their own institutions or through networks such as IASC, ISI, ASA, RSS, LISA Network, ResearchGate, or even professional social media platforms like LinkedIn and X.

The session also explored the mutual benefits of mentorship. For mentors, he said the gains include expanding professional networks, enhancing career satisfaction, and gaining new perspectives, while for mentees, benefits range from increased motivation and confidence to better clarity on career direction and stronger networking skills.

“To develop the next generation of statisticians and to advance statistical practices globally, the role of statistical mentoring must not be neglected,” Dr. Adenomon concluded.

The webinar marks another step by the IASC-AMG in reinforcing the continent’s data science capabilities through meaningful academic and professional engagement.