Nurturing Future Scientists in Africa

The African Members Group of the International Association for Statistical Computing has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing the next generation of data scientists and statisticians in Africa through mentorship.

The group made the commitment at webinar themed, “Advancing Statistical Practices through Statistical Mentoring.”

A statement made available to Sunday PUNCH indicated that the webinar was led by an Associate Professor of Econometrics and Financial Time Series at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Dr Monday Adenomon.

Adenomon, who also serves as Chairman of the IASC African Members Group and the ISI Short Course and Outreach Officer (2023–2025), described mentorship as a transformative tool essential for developing future leaders in statistics, data science, and other STEMM disciplines.

“Mentorship is a crucial activity in which science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine professionals engage to develop the next generation,” Adenomon stated.

He encouraged participants to define their career goals clearly and seek mentors who align with those aspirations, whether within their institutions or through networks such as IASC, ISI, ASA, RSS, LISA Network, ResearchGate, or even professional social media platforms like LinkedIn and X.

Adenomon noted that statistical mentoring connects experienced statisticians with emerging talents in a way that fosters both professional and personal growth.

He emphasised that true mentorship goes beyond casual advice, offering role modelling, career guidance, and psychosocial support.

For mentors, he said the gains include expanding professional networks, enhancing career satisfaction, and gaining new perspectives.

He disclosed that benefits for the mentees range from increased motivation and confidence to better clarity on career direction and stronger networking skills.

“To develop the next generation of statisticians and to advance statistical practices globally, the role of statistical mentoring must not be neglected,” Adenomon added.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}