How Data Science Is Shaping the Future of Public Health and Policy—- Tolulope Adeyina

By Tosin Clegg

In today’s knowledge economy, data is more than just numbers, it is the backbone of innovation,
policy, and business strategy. Few Nigerians are leading this global transformation quite like.

Tolulope Adeyina, a distinguished data scientist and thought leader whose work bridges advanced
analytics, AI, and public sector innovation.

How do you define the role of data science in today’s global landscape?
Mr. Adeyina: Data science has become a critical enabler of progress across industries. It combines
statistical reasoning, computing, and domain knowledge to uncover patterns, predict outcomes,
and inform decisions. Whether it’s mitigating climate change, combating pandemics, or enhancing
customer experience, data science provides the tools to respond faster, smarter, and more
effectively.

You’ve been credited with helping to contain Lassa Fever outbreaks in Nigeria through a
dynamic transmission model. Can you tell us more about that project?

Certainly. Around 2018/2019, I developed a transmission dynamics model for Lassa
Fever that was unique in how it integrated epidemiological, environmental, and social behavior
data. The goal was to predict outbreak trajectories across different Nigerian states.
Thanks to collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), this model played a
critical role in guiding early interventions, improving public health surveillance, and allocating
resources efficiently. It was a powerful example of how evidence-based modeling can have direct,
life-saving impact.

What are the most common misconceptions people have about data science?

One big misconception is that data science is just about coding or building complex
models. In reality, successful data science projects start with asking the right questions and
understanding the context. Another misconception is that more data always means better results.
Quality trumps quantity clean, relevant data is more powerful than massive, unstructured datasets.

In your experience, how can governments use data to improve public services?
Mr. Adeyina: Governments can use data to become more responsive and accountable. For
instance, predictive analytics can forecast budget shortfalls, monitor procurement irregularities, or
identify at-risk students in education systems. But it requires investment in data infrastructure,
inter-agency collaboration, and, most importantly, a culture that values evidence over intuition.
Q: You’ve worked on AI-powered solutions in both public and private sectors. Where do you
see the biggest opportunities for AI in emerging economies?
Mr. Adeyina: The opportunities are immense. In emerging economies like Nigeria, AI can
leapfrog traditional infrastructure gaps. For example, AI models can predict disease outbreaks
using environmental and mobility data, optimize agricultural yields through satellite imagery, or
improve financial inclusion via alternative credit scoring. However, we must localize these
technologies and ensure that AI serves inclusive development, not just automation.
Q: What are the ethical concerns surrounding AI and data use today?
Mr. Adeyina: Bias in algorithms, data privacy, and surveillance are major concerns. AI systems
are only as objective as the data they are trained on, and that data often reflects societal inequalities.
We must prioritize transparency, fairness, and accountability in data practices. Ethics cannot be an
afterthought; it should be built into every phase of the data lifecycle.
Q: You also worked on a project involving SARS coronaviruses and machine learning. What
did that research entail?
Dr. Adeyina: Yes, during 2019, we started a project to identify palindromic sequences in SARS-
CoV RNA using machine learning algorithms. These palindromes often serve as genetic markers
or folding points in viral genomes and can reveal promising targets for vaccine development or
therapeutic intervention.
It was forward-looking research, especially considering that the COVID-19 pandemic hit globally
soon after. We’re currently finalizing the publication of this work, and it demonstrates how machine
learning can accelerate genomic discoveries in virology.
How can young Africans position themselves for careers in data science and AI?
Mr. Adeyina: Start by building strong foundations in mathematics, statistics, and programming.
Then, specialize based on your interest’s healthcare, finance, policy, etc. Online courses and open-
source communities are great resources. Most importantly, work on real-world problems. Data
science is best learned by doing, not just by watching tutorials.
Where do you see the future of data science heading in the next decade?
Mr. Adeyina: We’re moving toward automated machine learning, real-time decision engines, and
more explainable AI. Data science will become more democratized tools will be easier to use, and
more people across sectors will leverage data in their day-to-day work. But the real future lies in
trustworthy AI systems that are transparent, ethical, and aligned with human values.
What advice would you give policymakers in Nigeria regarding data adoption?
Mr. Adeyina: Invest in open data platforms, protect citizens’ privacy, and integrate data into the
policymaking process. Data should not be siloed across ministries. There needs to be collaboration,
data literacy among public officials, and public engagement to build trust. When citizens see data
working for them, they’re more likely to participate in democratic processes.
What motivates your work as a data scientist?
Mr. Adeyina: Impact. Data science is not just about models or tools it’s about using evidence to
improve lives. Whether it’s helping a hospital save more patients or guiding a policymaker to make
smarter budget decisions, I’m driven by the potential to make systems more just, efficient, and
human centered.
Closing Note: Mr. Tolulope Adeyina’s journey is an evidence to how technical expertise, ethical
leadership, and purpose-driven innovation can intersect to shape a better world. As data continues
to influence every sphere of life, voices like his will be instrumental in ensuring that technology
serves humanity not the other way around.