How Nafisat Popoola drives digital education revolution in Nigeria

In a landmark initiative reshaping Nigeria’s educational landscape, Nigerian data scientist Nafisat Temilade Popoola has played a pivotal role in developing the national Digital Literacy Curriculum adopted by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC).

Nafisat, recognized nationally and internationally for her innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in combating financial fraud, was among a select group of experts tasked with designing a curriculum intended for millions of students across Nigeria, a nation with a population exceeding 200 million.

The adoption of this curriculum represents a major milestone for Nigeria, significantly modernizing the nation’s education system and aligning it with global technological advancements. The curriculum, designed to equip millions of students nationwide with foundational digital skills, incorporates critical data science principles, artificial intelligence fundamentals, and international technological standards, thereby preparing Nigerian youth for the digital economy and future employment opportunities.

“It was an enormous honor to be among the select few chosen for such a transformative national project,” Nafisat remarked. “Knowing that our curriculum will influence the lives of millions of students across Nigeria is a profound acknowledgment of the extraordinary responsibility and trust placed in me and our team.”
A spokesperson at NERDC emphasized the significance of Nafisat’s contributions, stating, “Her innovative thinking, strategic insights, and global perspective were instrumental in shaping the curriculum, ensuring its relevance and impact across Nigeria’s vast educational system.”

This ambitious educational initiative is already receiving widespread acclaim, positioning Nigeria as a leader in digital literacy in Africa. With its nationwide implementation, Nafisat Popoola’s role undeniably showcases her extraordinary capabilities and further solidifies her position as a prominent figure in data science, innovation, and education both nationally and internationally.

Nafisat Popoola’s substantial track record in pioneering advanced analytics and fraud prevention solutions at fintech giant Interswitch Ltd uniquely positioned her for this critical national project. This latest achievement further reinforces her status not only as a leading expert in data science but also as a transformative force shaping Nigeria’s digital future.