The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), a Non-Governmental Organization, recently concluded a phase of Data Analysis Training using the STATA statistical software package. The training aimed to enhance the data analysis skills of lecturers, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and individuals from various sectors.
The Executive Director of CITAD, Engr. Y.Z Ya’u, delivered his remarks through Fatima Babakura during the closing ceremony held at CITAD’s Kano Office. According to Babakura, the three-day program was designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to utilize data for evidence-based policies and research using STATA.
The training received an overwhelming response, with over 1000 subscriptions within 24 hours of advertising. After careful screening, 250 participants were selected and divided into batches of 50. The training program was conducted in multiple batches, with the fifth batch concluding at the ceremony.
Dr. Muhammad Aliyu, a lecturer in the Department of Economics at Bayero University, Kano, facilitated the training. He explained that participants were drawn from academia, CSOs, and government agencies.
The training covered the fundamentals of using STATA for data entry, data cleansing, and data analysis. Dr. Aliyu highlighted the importance of practical exposure to statistical analysis using software packages, as many universities primarily teach statistics in a theoretical manner.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the training and the flexibility and user-friendliness of STATA. One participant from Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano, noted that while they had received previous data analysis training, working with STATA was particularly beneficial.
Another participant from Gombe state, a research student, expressed how the training expanded their understanding of data analysis and its application in their studies.
The participants thanked CITAD for providing them with the opportunity to attend the program and pledged to share the knowledge gained with their respective organizations and students.
The closing ceremony included the distribution of certificates to the participants and concluded with a group photograph, marking the successful completion of the training program.
