Students in Tech, an initiative of TechMedia Africa, has partnered with Analytics For Africa through its A4A Academy, a mentorship-led training platform, to train, mentor and equip Nigerian students in tertiary institutions with practical skills for the growing field of data analytics.

The partnership is designed for students seeking to kick-start careers in data analytics, as well as young professionals looking to strengthen their existing skills. Through the initiative, participants will gain access to industry experts who will provide practical guidance and career-focused support as they navigate the evolving field of data analytics.

As part of the partnership, participants will benefit from practical workshops focused on data analytics, portfolio development support, curated learning resources, career-focused mentorship, CV reviews and LinkedIn profile optimisation. The programme is intended to help participants move beyond theoretical knowledge and develop practical capabilities that can be demonstrated to prospective employers and clients.

The demand for data professionals has continued to grow as artificial intelligence, automation and data-driven decision-making become increasingly important across industries. Data analysts and data scientists play a critical role in helping organisations make sense of large datasets, uncover patterns and insights, and translate information into decisions that can improve business performance.

However, the growth of the digital economy has also highlighted the need for more workers with relevant and practical digital skills. Recent projections show that Nigeria’s labour force will require 28 million digitally skilled workers by 2030, while an IFC and World Bank report estimates that 230 million jobs across Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by the same year.

Speaking about the partnership, Dr. Prince Oguguo, a former economist at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and co-founder of A4A Analytics, said Africa is at a critical point in its economic development, with the strength of its digital economy increasingly dependent on the skills of its workforce.

“Africa is at a crossroads in its economic development, and the strength of our digital future will depend significantly on the ability of our people to acquire and apply relevant skills,” Dr Oguguo, said. 

He added; “Data analytics is no longer a niche capability; it is becoming an essential skill across industries. By helping young Nigerians build practical data skills early, we are investing in a workforce that can participate meaningfully in Africa’s digital economy and create value both locally and globally.”

Elvis Odiase, MBA, a Mondelez International Data Visualization World Champion and co-founder of A4A Academy, said developing data professionals in Africa could support the continent’s growing businesses while also creating opportunities for Nigerian and African talent to compete in the global labour market.

“Africa needs more data professionals who can help businesses turn information into better decisions and sustainable growth. But beyond meeting the needs of local organisations, developing these skills also gives African talent an opportunity to compete in the global economy. We want young Nigerians to see data analytics not only as a career path, but as a skill that can create opportunities across borders.”

Launched in August 2026, Students in Tech is a nationwide community platform designed to connect Nigerian students with careers, funding, mentorship and opportunities within the technology ecosystem. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between campus talent and industry opportunities by providing students with access to practical resources, industry knowledge and career development opportunities.

Also Check: Why data literacy is becoming essential for graduate employability

The partnership with A4A Academy aligns with this mission, particularly as employers across the continent increasingly seek workers with digital skills. 

“This partnership directly aligns with our core goal, which is to equip Nigerian students with the right technology skills while they are still on campus,” said Obianyimuo Nchedo Annastasia, Students in Tech Project & Community Operations Manager. 

She added; “By connecting students with experienced professionals and practical learning opportunities, we are helping them build the skills, portfolios and professional profiles they need to take the next step in their careers.”

Through the partnership, Students in Tech and A4A Academy will continue to create learning and career development opportunities that expose students to practical applications of data analytics while connecting them with professionals and resources within the field.

The collaboration reinforces both organisations’ commitment to preparing young Nigerians for an increasingly digital labour market and ensuring that students can begin building relevant, marketable skills before they graduate.