Nafisa Lawal Idris

Nafisa Lawal Idris (born April 13, 1994) is a prominent Nigerian data scientist, entrepreneur and advocate for women in technology. She currently holds the position of Lead Data Scientist at Greysoft Technologies, where she leverages her expertise to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions.
Idris is highly dedicated to empowering and mentoring women in the tech industry. As a Women in Tech Mentor, she offers guidance and support to aspiring individuals, helping them navigate their careers and succeed in the field. She also serves as a Global Ambassador for WomenTech Network, a platform that connects and supports women in technology worldwide.
In her role as a Mentor for Black Girls in Tech, Idris actively contributes to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the technology sector. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion extends further as a Consultant/Advisor for FATE Foundation, where she provides valuable insights and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Idris is actively involved with Google as an Ambassador for Google Women TechMakers, Google Developer Group (GDG) and Northern Tech Ecosystem. In these roles, she promotes technological advancements and fosters a supportive community for tech enthusiasts.
Furthermore, Idris is recognised for her exceptional public speaking skills. She has shared her insights and experiences at various conferences and events, inspiring and motivating audiences with her knowledge and passion for technology and entrepreneurship.
Adding to her accomplishments, Idris holds a position on the Advisory Board of Spendo Technologies Inc., where she contributes her strategic expertise to guide the company's growth and development.
Throughout her career, Nafisa Lawal Idris has received recognition for her contributions to the technology industry. Her dedication to data science, entrepreneurship and empowering women in tech has made her an influential figure in Nigeria's tech community.
==Background and education==
Nafisa Lawal Idris was born in Nigeria in 1994. She is the second-born child in a family of three daughters and one brother. Idris completed her primary education at Zaria Children School and her secondary education at Standard Foundation School in Kaduna.
In November 2012, Idris began her undergraduate studies at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where she pursued a Bachelor's of Science degree in Statistics. She successfully graduated in October 2016, acquiring a solid foundation in statistical analysis and data interpretation.
To further enhance her skills and knowledge, Idris pursued a Post Diploma in Management (PGDM) at Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. This program, which she completed from January 2020 to September 2021, provided her with valuable insights into management practices and strategies.
Idris's commitment to professional development led her to undertake a Data Science Fellowship at UTIVA in December 2022. This fellowship allowed her to delve deeper into the field of data science and acquire advanced skills in data analysis, machine learning and predictive modeling.
Idris is an active member of the Professional Statisticians Society of Nigeria (PSSN), a professional organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of statistics. Her membership demonstrates her dedication to staying informed about industry trends and best practices.
During her time at Ahmadu Bello University, Idris held leadership positions as the Assistant Secretary General of the National Association of Mathematics Students' Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Chapter (NAMS), and the Sokoto State Students' Association Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Chapter (SOSSA). These roles allowed her to contribute to the student community and foster a sense of unity and collaboration.
Idris also demonstrated her commitment to community service as the Assistant Corpers Liaison Officer (CLO) for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Igabi L.G.A, Kaduna State from 2017 to 2018. In this role, she facilitated communication and support among corps members, ensuring a positive and inclusive environment.
In recognition of her academic achievements and potential, Idris received the Gani Fawehinmi Annual Scholarship Award in September 2014. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to academically promising students from indigent backgrounds in Nigerian tertiary institutions, further highlighting Idris's dedication to excellence.
Nafisa Lawal Idris's educational journey and involvement in various organizations reflect her commitment to personal growth, community service, and academic excellence.
==Career==
Nafisa Lawal Idris embarked on her technology career in June 2015 during the Student Industrial Working Experience Scheme (SIWES) at the National Teachers Institute in Kaduna. She demonstrated her skills by creating a comprehensive database of student enrollment and output. Inspired to support financially challenged students, she continued to pursue her passion for technology upon returning to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in December 2015.
In October 2016, Idris began her career as a mathematics and computer science teacher at a secondary school. Her clear and engaging lessons resulted in a remarkable 30% increase in student success and a 50% increase in participation. Alongside her teaching career, she founded Feenah Exquisite Events, an event planning and management company in April 2017. Through her leadership, the company successfully organised events and left clients satisfied.
Continuing her professional journey, Idris joined KAKAKI Hospital Kaduna in October 2018 as a medical records officer. Her implementation of a new filing system reduced search time by 25%, improving efficiency. Additionally, she trained two new staff members in medical records, further enhancing departmental productivity. In September 2019, Idris served as a data analyst at Startup Arewa, where she utilized infographics and modern analytics software to enhance data presentation and communication.
In November 2020, Idris transitioned to the field of Edtech as a data scientist at CoLab. In this role, she led a team of data analysts and facilitated advanced analytics to drive insights for the organisation. Demonstrating her versatile skill set, Idris joined the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) in July 2021 as a Trade and Policy Officer. She played a crucial role in attracting 20% more businesses to Kaduna State through the implementation of a business-friendly policy framework. Additionally, she improved the efficiency of the investment review process by 50%.
March 2022 marked a new chapter in Idris's career as she joined Greysoft Technologies, a software technology company, as a data scientist. In this position, she leverages diverse data sets to create innovative solutions and conducts research projects utilizing Big Data.
Idris's dedication to the advancement of women in technology is evident through her ambassadorial roles. She currently serves as an ambassador for Google Women TechMakers Kaduna and Google Developers Group. Additionally, she holds the esteemed position of global ambassador for WomenTech Network. Idris's commitment to mentorship extends to her role as a mentor for Women in Tech - Global Movement. Through her "Tech Mentorship Hour" sessions on Twitter Space, she aims to mentor 1000 individuals transitioning into the tech industry.
Category:1994 births
Category:Nigerian people
Category:Data scientists
Category:Entrepreneurs
Category:Advocates