RSSDA Network Partners with DataCamp to Empower 100 Rivers Youths with Data Skills

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, data literacy has become an essential skill, empowering individuals to analyse and interpret data for informed decision-making. As industries worldwide increasingly rely on data-driven processes, the ability to work with data is no longer a specialised skill—it is a necessity.

At RSSDA Network, we recognise the urgent need to equip young people in Rivers State with the tools to thrive in this data-driven world. That is why we are proud to announce our partnership with DataCamp, a Forbes-rated #1 Certification Program for Data & AI Skills, to provide 100 fully funded licenses for unskilled youths in Rivers State. This initiative is designed to bridge the data literacy gap and create a new generation of tech-savvy, job-ready individuals.

The Need for Data Literacy in Rivers State

While Rivers State boasts one of the highest literacy rates in Nigeria at over 90%, literacy in the traditional sense is only the foundation. The real challenge lies in specialised literacy, particularly in data, digital tools, and emerging technologies. A 2023 UNICEF report highlights that only 7% of Nigerian youths aged 15 to 24 possess Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.  This statistic reveals a significant gap that needs to be addressed to ensure our youths are competitive in the global digital economy.​

At RSSDA Network, we refuse to let young people fall behind in the global race for digital transformation. Our DataCamp Scholarship Programme is a direct response to this challenge, ensuring that beneficiaries gain the skills required to thrive in the modern economy.

What Our DataCamp Scholarship Programme Offers

Through our partnership with DataCamp, we are providing a structured, high-quality learning experience designed to equip beneficiaries with skills that are in high demand across industries.

Programme Highlights:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Beneficiaries will have access to courses covering data analytics, programming languages such as Python and SQL, machine learning, and business intelligence tools like Power BI and Tableau.

• Flexible Learning: The online nature of the courses allows participants to learn at their own pace, accommodating various schedules and learning styles.

• Certification: Upon completion, participants will receive certifications recognised globally, enhancing their employability and professional credibility.

Next Steps: Programme Timeline & Selection Process

The DataCamp Scholarship Programme officially begins on May 5, 2025. Between now and then, we will focus on outreach, recruitment, and selection of 100 beneficiaries. We will also engage student groups across Rivers State universities to maximise participation.

Looking Ahead

Our vision extends beyond this initial cohort. We are committed to expanding this initiative, with plans to reach more youths across Rivers State and, hopefully, other regions. By doing so, we aim to create a ripple effect, fostering a generation that is not only literate but also data literate, ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of the digital age.​

Join Us on This Journey

We invite all stakeholders—educators, industry professionals, policymakers, and community members—to join us in this endeavour. By working together, we can create an ecosystem that supports continuous learning and development, ensuring that our youths are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a data-driven world.

We are calling on our network members to spread the word, encourage potential beneficiaries to apply, and support the programme’s successful rollout. At RSSDA Network, we believe in action, not just conversation. The future of work is digital, and we are committed to ensuring that young people in Rivers State are ready for it. This is how we build the future, one skilled individual at a time.