The Nigerian Society of Data Analysts and Business Intelligence Experts (NSDABIE) was proud to be part of the Fortham National Education & Book Exhibition, a three-day educational gathering that brought together students, educators, schools, publishers, education professionals, and other stakeholders.
Held from 17th to 19th September 2026 at Novare Central Mall, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, the exhibition created an exciting space for learning, networking, books, educational resources, and conversations about the future of education.
For NSDABIE, the event was more than an opportunity to showcase the organization. It was an opportunity to introduce young people to an increasingly important skill: data.
Data Is the New Oil
Throughout the three-day program, the NSDABIE team engaged directly with students and visitors at our exhibition booth, sharing practical insights about data, data analysis, technology, and the growing opportunities available to people who understand how to work with data.
One of the central messages we shared was simple:
Data is the new oil.
Just as oil became an important resource for economic development, data has become a valuable resource for organizations, businesses, governments, researchers, and individuals.
But data, by itself, is not enough.
The real value comes from knowing how to collect it, organize it, analyze it, interpret it, and turn it into useful information for decision-making.
This is where data analysis and business intelligence come in.
We encouraged students to begin developing these skills early—not necessarily because everyone must become a professional data analyst, but because data literacy is becoming increasingly useful across different careers and industries.
Whether someone wants to work in business, finance, healthcare, education, technology, marketing, research, government, or entrepreneurship, the ability to understand and work with data can become a valuable advantage.
Connecting With Students
One of the most rewarding parts of the exhibition was interacting with students directly.
Many students are familiar with technology through smartphones, social media, computers, and online platforms. However, conversations around how data powers many of the systems they interact with every day can open a completely different perspective.
At the NSDABIE booth, we talked with students about what data analysis means, the tools analysts use, possible career paths, and how they can begin learning from wherever they are.
We also emphasized that students do not need to wait until graduation before exploring technology and data.
They can start with foundational tools such as Microsoft Excel, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, and Python, gradually building their knowledge through practical projects and continuous learning.
The goal is not simply to collect certificates.
The goal is to develop the ability to solve problems with data.
Creating Opportunities Through Community
Another important part of our conversations was the importance of becoming part of a community.
Learning technology can sometimes feel difficult when someone is trying to do everything alone. A strong professional and learning community can provide access to people, knowledge, opportunities, mentorship, resources, and encouragement.
At the exhibition, NSDABIE introduced students and other interested participants to the organization’s community and explained how becoming part of a professional network can support their learning journey.
We also shared information about our upcoming NSDABIE conference, creating awareness about an opportunity for students, professionals, data enthusiasts, and other members of the ecosystem to connect, learn, and grow together.
Free DataCamp Scholarship Opportunities
A particularly exciting part of our engagement was sharing information about the free DataCamp scholarship opportunity available through the NSDABIE community.
For students who are interested in data analysis, this provides an opportunity to access structured learning resources and begin developing practical data skills.
We encouraged students not to look at the scholarship simply as another online course opportunity but as a chance to take the first step toward building a long-term learning habit.
The technology industry continues to evolve, and continuous learning is becoming increasingly important. Starting early can help students discover their interests and understand the areas where they want to develop professionally.
More Than a Book Exhibition
The Fortham National Education & Book Exhibition demonstrated that education extends beyond classrooms and textbooks.
Books remain an important part of learning, but today’s students also need exposure to technology, digital skills, critical thinking, emerging careers, and the opportunities created by new industries.
This is why partnerships and collaborations between educational organizations, professional communities, publishers, schools, and technology-focused organizations are important.
For NSDABIE, being present at Fortham was an opportunity to contribute to that wider conversation.
It allowed us to meet young people where they are, listen to their questions, share knowledge, and encourage them to consider how data and technology could become part of their future.
Three Days of Learning, Conversations and Connections
Across the three days, the NSDABIE booth became a meeting point for conversations about data, education, technology, careers, and opportunities.
We had meaningful conversations with students, educators, and visitors who stopped by to learn more about NSDABIE and what the organization represents.
We also had the opportunity to tell people about our community, upcoming activities, conference, learning opportunities, and the importance of developing practical data skills.
Most importantly, we had a great time.
The questions, curiosity, enthusiasm, and interactions with students made the experience memorable. Every conversation was another opportunity to plant an idea: that the future belongs not only to people who consume technology, but also to those who understand how to use it to solve real problems.
Looking Ahead
NSDABIE remains committed to promoting data analysis, business intelligence, digital skills, professional development, and community building.
Our participation at the Fortham National Education & Book Exhibition is part of a broader vision: helping more people understand the opportunities within the data ecosystem and encouraging young people to start developing relevant skills early.
The journey does not end at the exhibition.
For the students we met, it can begin with something as simple as opening Excel, learning a SQL query, creating their first dashboard, exploring Python, joining a learning community, or applying for an available scholarship.
One skill can lead to another. One project can lead to an opportunity. One conversation can change the direction of a career.
The future is data-driven, and the next generation should be prepared to participate in it.
NSDABIE is grateful to the organizers of the Fortham National Education & Book Exhibition for creating a platform where education, opportunity, and meaningful conversations could come together.
Three days. Hundreds of conversations. One important message: learn data, understand data, and become part of the data community.
