Mercy Ikulayo, a skilled and dynamic data analyst with a robust background in freelancing and technology, has honed her expertise over the past eight years in graphic design, market research, and developing investor pitch decks. She has offered her services to a diverse clientele, ranging from startups to established enterprises. In 2023, she expanded her skill set by stepping into the world of data analysis, recognizing its potential to transform business strategies. Since then, Mercy has effectively utilized her analytical skills to help organizations make data-driven decisions, streamline processes, and offer strategic recommendations. Her journey into data analysis was driven by the rapid advancements in the tech industry and the increasing importance of data as a critical asset for future trends. She has also taken proactive steps to deepen her knowledge by pursuing further studies, balancing this with her ongoing career growth.

Mercy is passionate about bridging the gender gap in tech and is an advocate for empowering women to explore opportunities in this field. She believes in creating an inclusive space for women, particularly nursing mothers, to learn and excel in tech. Through her initiative, she aims to provide resources, mentorship, and a supportive community to encourage women to build tech careers, ultimately narrowing the gender gap in Nigeria’s tech industry. In this interview with Esther Onyegbula, she talks about the role of data analysts, the rise of AI, and other issues.

Can you share your journey of becoming a data analyst?

My journey began with years of freelancing, but tech is obviously evolving. I realized data was the future. So, in 2023, I took the plunge, upskilled in data analysis, and started applying my new skills in my work. Now, I use data to drive decision-making, provide recommendations, and help businesses make data-backed decisions. This shift has made me more efficient, improved the quality of my work, and allowed me to offer more value.

How do you see the role of data analysts evolving in the next 5 to 10 years with the rise of AI in Nigeria?

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we work, and data analysts, like every other tech role, will need to adapt quickly. In Nigeria, I see analysts becoming more like “data strategists,” working hand-in-hand with artificial intelligence in data analytics to interpret complex data patterns and make strategic decisions. Artificial intelligence won’t replace data analysts but will push us to focus on higher-level tasks.

What legislative policies would you advocate for the government to put in place to encourage more women in tech?

The government needs to implement targeted legislative policies to encourage more Nigerian women in tech. According to a report by ONE Campaign in 2022, women make up only 22% of Nigeria’s tech workforce. This significant gender gap calls for interventions that address the unique challenges women face, particularly in balancing family responsibilities and career advancement. Some policies the government could implement to bridge this gap include tech scholarships and grants for women.

These initiatives can make tech careers more accessible to women from different socio-economic backgrounds, with a target set to increase female participation in tech by 20-30% over the next five years. Flexible working conditions, paid maternity leave, and childcare support for nursing mothers are essential. Research has shown that when childcare is affordable and accessible, more women can enter and stay in the workforce. This would be particularly impactful for mothers balancing their career and family responsibilities.

I am working on starting an initiative to encourage women, particularly nursing mothers, to learn tech skills and pursue opportunities in tech. Motherhood shouldn’t be a barrier to personal and professional growth. With flexible, online learning options, mothers can learn tech skills at their own pace while managing their responsibilities at home. My initiative will focus on creating awareness, providing resources, and offering mentorship programs to help mothers transition into tech.

Additionally, I aim to build a community where mothers can share their experiences, challenges, and successes, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes growth and learning. This effort will further contribute to narrowing the gender gap in Nigeria’s tech industry.

In what ways do you think AI will enhance or replace traditional data analysis techniques?

AI is great at handling large amounts of data quickly, so it will enhance traditional methods. For example, AI can automate data cleaning, model building, and even visualization. However, human intuition will always be crucial, especially when interpreting the results. 88% of companies say they’re using AI to assist analysts, not replace them entirely.

Can you share examples of how data analysis has already transformed industries, and what industries might be next?

Data analysis is transforming the retail and healthcare sectors. For instance, Walmart and Amazon use data analytics to predict product demand, while hospitals use data analytics to improve patient outcomes. Predictive analytics helps in early diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. The education sector is already adopting data analysis, and the next industry to watch is agriculture.

Artificial intelligence and data analysis could revolutionize farming by optimizing crop yields, reducing water usage, and predicting pest outbreaks to ensure sustainable farming. Data analysis is a driving force behind digital transformation across many sectors that harness the power of data.

What do you think are the most significant AI-driven trends impacting data analysis today?

Machine learning and predictive analytics are huge right now. They allow analysts to forecast outcomes with more precision, from customer behavior to stock market trends and even risk management. Automation is another big trend. Artificial intelligence tools handle the grunt work of data processing, allowing analysts to focus on higher-value tasks.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech industry, and how did you overcome them?

One major challenge has been breaking through gender biases, but it worked positively for me. When I transitioned into tech in 2016, everyone around me was surprised to see a woman break into tech. They often referred to me as a man. I didn’t let that discourage me but rather used it as leverage to go deeper into tech.

Now, I am glad that women are changing the narrative by transitioning into tech and taking up C-suite positions. Often, tech is male-dominated, and it takes a bit more effort to prove yourself. I overcame this by constantly improving my skills, building a solid portfolio, and taking on leadership roles.

How should current and aspiring data analysts prepare themselves to work effectively with Artificial Intelligence technologies?

It’s important to start learning about Artificial Intelligence now. Familiarize yourself with machine learning algorithms and tools like Python and R. Taking courses in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and AI ethics is also a great idea. According to a report by McKinsey, demand for Artificial Intelligence skills is expected to increase by 30% by 2025.

What is your view on the future of AI and data analysis?

The future of Artificial Intelligence and data analysis is incredibly exciting! I see AI enhancing the role of data analysts, not replacing it. AI will handle more of the heavy lifting, like cleaning, processing, and analyzing massive datasets, allowing analysts to focus on higher-level tasks like strategy, interpretation, and decision-making.

AI will also make predictive analytics more accurate and accessible, enabling companies to forecast trends with greater precision. But, despite the automation, human intuition will always be key in data analysis. There will always be a need for analysts to guide AI, ask the right questions, use the right prompts, and ensure ethical and unbiased decisions.

As AI continues to evolve, I see the rise of hybrid roles like “data strategists” or “AI data specialists” who work closely with AI to generate insights. The collaboration between humans and Artificial Intelligence will drive innovation across industries like healthcare, finance, and even agriculture, making data-driven decision-making more powerful than ever. AI’s role is to enhance human productivity, not replace it entirely.

Vanguard News