By Sandra Agyeiwaa OTOO
Academic City University College (ACUC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE), has launched a Master of Science programme in Data Science and Analytics.
The move is part of a broader agenda aimed at unlocking invaluable insights, promoting informed decision-making and driving transformative change by harnessing the full potential of data through the lens of data science and analytics.
The introduction of the MSc in Data Science and Analytics programme also signals a new era of innovation and progress in Ghana’s educational space.
President of Academic City University College, Fred McBagonluri, lauded the pivotal role of data in shaping the future of businesses and organisations worldwide. He said in this era of rapid technological advancement, data has become the lifeblood of businesses and organisations across the globe. It holds the power to unlock invaluable insights, drive informed decision-making and fuel transformative change.
“Recognising this, we have embarked on a mission to harness the full potential of data through the lens of data science and analytics,” he stated.
According to him, data science is not just a buzzword but a discipline that empowers individuals to extract meaningful patterns and trends from vast volumes of data. He added that it also equips them with the tools and techniques to delve deep into the intricacies of information, uncovering hidden gems that can drive innovation and growth.
“The launch of our data science and analytics initiative signifies our commitment to embracing the future with open arms. It is a testament to our belief in the power of data to drive meaningful change and create lasting impact. With this endeavour, we aim to not only stay ahead of the curve but also to redefine the very landscape of our industry.
“Let us remember that with great power comes great responsibility. As we embark on this journey, we must remain vigilant about upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We must ensure that the data we analyse is used responsibly and ethically, respecting the privacy and rights of individuals at all times,” he noted.
Mr. McBagonluri urged individuals to embrace forthcoming opportunities with optimism and determination as they enter a new era of possibilities. He also encouraged them to leverage the potential of data science and analytics to explore new realms of innovation, foster sustainable growth and create a positive impact in society.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, in a speech delivered on his behalf, stressed the importance of integrating technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communication technology (ICT), to prepare students for the digital era.
“As the Minister of Education, I have consistently emphasised the pivotal role of AI and ICT in revolutionising education and preparing our students for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. Today, as we witness the launch of this cutting-edge programme, we reaffirm our commitment to embracing technological advancements and leveraging data-driven approaches to enhance learning outcomes and empower our students for success in the modern world,” he stated.
According to him, the integration of AI and ICT in education holds immense potential to personalise learning experiences, cater for individual student needs and foster a culture of innovation and creativity in classrooms.
He added that with AI platforms providing customised lessons, practice materials and feedback, students can now engage with course content at their own pace, leading to a deeper understanding and mastery of subjects.
“The utilisation of ICT tools, such as interactive whiteboards and online collaboration platforms, enable dynamic and engaging classroom experiences, facilitating the development of essential 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration. Through these technologies, we can create learning environments that inspire curiosity, exploration and life-long learning,” he explained.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inngen Technology Solutions, David Gowu, emphasised the crucial role of data science and analytics as a driver of development.
“Data science and analytics is a catalyst for development. The relevance of data in shaping national development efforts cannot be overemphasised. In an era where information drives progress, harnessing the power of data becomes paramount. Policy drives development, and policy formulation using relevant and accurate data provides a solid guideline for effective implementation and progress,” he asserted.
According to Mr. Gowu, government agencies collect vast amounts of data related to housing, healthcare, education and national security.
This data serves as the bedrock for informed policy decisions. “For example, census data, workforce statistics, financial information, weather data and geographic insights all contribute to shaping our nation’s trajectory,” he stated.
He pointed out that recent efforts by the government, spearheaded by the National Identification Authority (NIA), highlight the importance of data capture.
He stressed that accurately recording information about citizens and non-citizens is essential for property management, income tax collection and preventing illegal financial activities. Additionally, he expressed his opinion that even new-borns should be registered and issued Ghana Cards.
“The MSc in Data Science and Analytics programme is not just about education; it’s about empowerment. It’s about building a cadre of professionals who will drive Africa’s digital future. Let us embrace this opportunity, invest in our people and propel our continent toward prosperity. Our ability to extract knowledge from data will shape Ghana’s future,” he stated .
