Obafemi Awolowo University Alumnus Bayo Ishola is Using Data Science to Drive Global Business Innovation

Ile-Ife, Nigeria – Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) continues to earn international recognition for producing graduates who go on to shape industries and solve global challenges. One standout example is Ridwan Bayo Ishola, a graduate of OAU’s Department of Economics, whose transformative work in data science and analytics is being felt across borders and boardrooms.

Bayo Ishola’s career is a compelling story of how analytical thinking and strategic insight—sharpened within the halls of OAU can translate into impactful business transformation. He began his journey at Xerox Nigeria, where he used tools like Microsoft Excel, SQL, Python, and Alteryx to perform deep data analysis that reshaped sales and marketing strategies. His initiatives led to a 98% increase in client retention and a 32% reduction in customer churn, results achieved through advanced A/B testing, customer segmentation, and product targeting.

Building on this foundation, Bayo later advanced to a global analytics role at Xerox U.S., where he worked as a Product Analytics Manager.

There, he engineered predictive models and optimized SQL queries to assess sales rate, pitch rate, and other critical KPIs, resulting in a 25% increase in forecasting accuracy. His data-driven approach empowered leadership to make faster and more informed strategic decisions, contributing to significant improvements in operational efficiency and profitability—estimated at up to 200% over time.

Bayo attributes much of his professional success to the education and critical thinking skills he gained at OAU. “The academic rigor and practical exposure I received at Obafemi Awolowo University provided the framework for my approach to solving real-world business problems,” he reflects. “It wasn’t just about learning theories—it was about understanding how to apply them.” His journey is a testament to the university’s enduring legacy of excellence and its role in producing solution-oriented graduates ready to lead in the global economy.
Several experts have commended Bayo’s accomplishments, noting that they reflect the values and vision of the institution. “Ridwan Bayo Ishola is a shining example of the type of graduate we aim to produce—analytical, innovative, and globally competitive. His achievements show what’s possible when talent meets the right academic environment.

As the university continues to expand its offering interdisciplinary research, stories like Bayo’s serve as inspiration for current students and young professionals alike. Obafemi Awolowo University is not only nurturing great mindset shaping the future of business, one data-driven leader at a time.