Redeemer’s University in Ede, Osun State, recently hosted a one-week intensive training programme focused on Data Science and Medical Image Analysis, known as DATICAN.
This initiative, developed in collaboration with the prestigious University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory in the USA, aims to equip participants with cutting-edge skills in supercomputing and High-Performance Computing (HPC).
The programme opening ceremony featured remarks from Professor Benjamin Aribisala, the Principal Investigator, who underscored the critical importance of Data Science in medical diagnostics. He described the training as essential for professionals in both the medical field and various other disciplines.
“Data Science is nulli-secundus in medical diagnosis,” he stated, emphasizing the program’s focus on building capacity in this vital area.
Professor Aribisala introduced this iteration of the training as “Hackathon 2.0,” following the successful inaugural event, Hackathon 1.0, hosted by Lagos State University in April 2024. He expressed his satisfaction at bringing this concept to Nigeria after its inception as an idea during his Fulbright Scholar visit to the University of Chicago in 2022.
Highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of Data Science, Professor Aribisala noted its capacity to transcend traditional academic boundaries, significantly benefiting fields such as medicine and Applied Sciences.
He also announced that outstanding participants in the DATICAN program would receive scholarships, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in Data Science and medical research.
Professor Adewale Ogunde, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee at Redeemer’s University, commended Professor Aribisala for his exemplary leadership in executing the DATICAN project.
He expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their unwavering support and encouraged the trainees to strive for excellence in their research endeavors.
Professor Samson Arekete, a member of the DATICAN Steering Committee from Redeemer’s University, highlighted the necessity of delivering impactful solutions in data science and medical diagnostics.
The event also featured prominent figures from various academic institutions, including Professor Godwin Ogbole from the University of Ibadan and Dr. Hesham Gaafar from the University of Chicago, along with trainers from Redeemer’s University and other universities across Nigeria.