Closing Speech at the Data Science for Information Professionals Summer School, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, Canada

Delivered by Ayodele Alonge on July 12, 2024, on behalf of the Data Science Summer Class for LIS, 2024

On July 2, as we assembled from various parts of Africa, little did we know that we were embarking on an experience that would transform our research and professional lives forever.

Initially, many of us viewed Data Science—particularly the coding aspect—as a field distant from Library and Information Education, an area we approached with apprehension.

Participants and facilitators at the Data Science Summer School, Western University, London, Ontario.

Greetings once again to Dean Professor Lisa Henderson, and Professor Anabel Quan-Haase, Associate Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University. With all due respect acknowledged, I stand here representing all of us who have immensely benefited from this intensive program.

As many of us have mentioned, our motivation for attending this summer school was to learn, unlearn, and relearn, to understand Data Science within the context of LIS education and to practically understand how to use data to tell stories. I believe we all agree that our hopes and motivations for attending this summer school have been thoroughly fulfilled. We are no longer novices in data science. A seed has been planted, and it is now up to us to nurture this knowledge through practice and become the experts that the FIMS Summer School envisioned.

Dr A.J. Alonge delivering  the closing remarks

The structure of this summer school was truly effective. Week one served as an introduction, moving from the known to the unknown. We explore into topics such as Introduction to Statistics, including sampling methods and sample size determination, Hypothesis Testing, and Common Parametric and Non-parametric Inferential Statistical Methods.

We were introduced to R and RStudio, and tackled Predictive Analytics through Multiple Linear Regression, Logistic Regression, and Time Series Analysis. We also explored Classification and Cluster Analysis.

Today’s project presentations gave us the opportunity to apply some of the knowledge we acquired over these two weeks.

We recognize that there are gaps in the area of Statistics and Data Science in many LIS curricula across Africa. This summer school has reinforced our resolve to revolutionize LIS curricula to include relevant statistics and data science. We intend to lead the vanguard of curriculum updates, integrating essential elements of data analytics and business analysis—reflecting the modern trends in the LIS profession.

L-R:  Professor Alfred Akinsete, Professor Felix Famoye & Professor Isola Ajiferuke,

We sincerely thank our facilitators, led by Professor Isola Ajiferuke, alongside his long-time friends and classmates from the prestigious University of Ibadan—Professor Felix Famoye and Professor Alfred Akinsete—for their innovative teaching and practical sessions. These three scholars, who graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1980, have grown together professionally over the decades. From them, we’ve learned the significant benefits and advantages of maintaining strong friendships for mutual professional and personal growth.

I must not forget to appreciate Dr. Jumoke Ajanaku, who provided exceptional support during the practical sessions. We are also grateful to the ICT and Media team for their invaluable assistance.  Ebenezer Martin-Yeboah, PhD Candidate, Health Information Science. at Western, was fantastic; he showed great dedication by ensuring our evening fun and transportation, and we especially enjoyed the jazz music in his spacious bus.

Abundant delicious dinner at Mandarin Chinese Restaurant in Hyde Park, London.

 All work without play makes Phila a dull Mama
In addition to our intensive engagement in data science, we were well catered for – I will say we were well fed and “fed-up”; we had fun and explored fun… —the visits to Niagara Falls and Grand Bend Beach were fantastic, creating lasting memories.
Delivered  at the Closing ceremony on July 12, 2024, on behalf of the Data Science Summer Class for LIS, 2024

Thank you for listening
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Stories and articles on Data Science for Information Professionals Summer School, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, Canada___

• FIMS kicked off the Data Science Summer School this morning with an opening ceremony! 
• I am ready to Learning, Unlearning and Relearning

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• Alfred Adu-Bobi 
• Evans Batung
• Olawabunmi Bakare-Fatungase, PhD –
• Adeola Rukayat Somoye, PhD 
• Ayodele John Alonge, PhD
• Alison Annet Kinengyere PhD
• Kwame Kodua-Ntim, PhD
• Siphamandla Mncube, PhD
• Phila Saulus-Matsenjwa. PhD
• Oghenere Salubi, PhD
• Sodiq Onaolapo