Can we meet you, give us a brief introduction about yourself and what you currently do?

My name is Bunmi Eyiaro-Madugu; I am a learning experience designer. Which means I create engaging and effective learning materials and activities that facilitate optimal learning outcomes for learners of all age groups (young learners, and adult learners). 

Basically, I collaborate with Subject Matter Experts in creating curriculums, developing the learning objectives, and setting up the right learning environment for learners be it virtually or on-site. 

Currently, I work at Tuteria as the director of learning, where I ensure o͏p͏t͏i͏m͏a͏l͏ t͏e͏a͏c͏h͏i͏n͏g͏ a͏n͏d͏ l͏e͏a͏r͏n͏i͏n͏g͏ e͏x͏p͏e͏r͏i͏e͏n͏c͏e͏s͏ f͏o͏r͏ a͏l͏l͏ l͏e͏a͏r͏n͏e͏r͏s͏

A few years ago, you enrolled for the data analytics course at Utiva, what prompted you to go into that aspect of tech?

I was motivated to pursue learning data analytics due to the existing gap in the education industry, specifically regarding the measurement of learning outcomes and data collection on how people learn, particularly in Africa. I needed to learn data analytics to identify effective learning strategies in our environment, implement learning analytics for improved operations and results, and leverage technology to enhance the teaching and learning process. 

Where that intercept is gathering data on learner interactions with management systems and measuring course completion rates, especially in virtual-based learning. Data analytics plays a crucial role in understanding the challenges learners face, such as drop-off points, and helps us uncover reasons behind the drop-offs and pinpoint specific areas that require improvement.

With that, we can effectively uncover and address challenges related to learning inequalities. Unfortunately, the rising issue of learning inequality often goes unnoticed by many training institutions. Through my exploration in data analytics, I have realised that the measurement of individuals' performance against learning outcomes is often neglected, and in some cases, training programs lack clearly defined learning objectives altogether. This underscores the critical importance of utilising data analytics to bridge this gap and ensure a more equitable and effective learning experience for all learners.

As learning professionals like myself are noticeably absent from the workforce in many training institutions, the issue of learning inequality remains a pressing concern. A significant portion of learners who enrol in these programs tend to drop off, not due to their lack of ability, but rather because we have yet to fully understand and accommodate the diverse categories of learners entering our programs. The power of analytics lies in its ability to generate essential metrics and parameters, enabling us to identify and address these challenges effectively. 

While learning inequality might not be evident to everyone currently, its impact will soon become apparent. As learning specialists, we are dedicated to reducing the prevalence of underprepared graduates in both universities and the tech industry. Despite the challenges ahead, we are committed to making significant strides by 2030. It's encouraging to witness numerous institutions actively working to bridge this gap and avoid potential issues that could arise by the specified target date.

That’s an interesting insight, so many people in this field are probably looking for ways to apply what they have learned in what they do and most likely, they are yet to discover this insight you have shared. 

Some people believe that tech skills like data analytics are for people in core tech roles, what will you say about that?

There is a widespread misconception about data analytics, as it is often perceived as a career rather than a problem-solving tool applied in various industries such as finance, education, agriculture, health, and many others. In reality, data analytics serves as a powerful tool to address challenges and improve existing processes across different sectors of the economy

For newcomers or young professionals venturing into data analytics, it is essential to consider the industry they intend to apply this skill to and focus on problem-solving within those specific industries. As entry-level career individuals, asking questions about how to effectively utilise their data analytics skills to address industry challenges becomes crucial. On the other hand, for professionals like myself who are already established in a particular industry, the key question revolves around leveraging data analytics as a tool to enhance and solve problems within our career fields. Whether in finance, education, agriculture, health, or any other sector, data analytics offers valuable insights and solutions that can be harnessed to drive improvements and make a significant impact in our respective industries.

For instance, in the education field, a specific application of data analytics known as learning analytics has emerged as a transformative solution. Learning analytics plays a vital role in enhancing the teaching-learning process, optimising assessments, and providing valuable insights into how educational outcomes in certain countries compare to others.

When you identify yourself as a data analyst, it's crucial to clarify the specific problems you are solving with your expertise. Saying you are a data analyst is akin to having a pen; the key lies in explaining how you use that tool to create something meaningful. Understanding this concept is where many people face confusion. 

Technology is pervasive, but the challenge lies in understanding how one can fit into this vast landscape and comprehend the true essence of tech skills beyond just being a career choice. It's essential for individuals to recognize that various industries have a significant demand for tech skills, and these skills can be applied to address specific challenges and enhance processes in numerous domains.

Tech skills are essential for solving real-world problems, but their effective application relies on the ability to identify and understand the specific problems they can address. When individuals lack knowledge about the relevant problems where these tech skills can be utilised, they often struggle during interviews, as the interview stage centres on demonstrating how one can apply their skills to solve industry-specific challenges. Bridging the knowledge gap requires developing the capacity to recognize and articulate specific problems that are relevant to the industry. This awareness empowers individuals to showcase their capabilities in leveraging tech skills to tackle real challenges, leading to successful interviews and meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

Do you think a lot of people are seeing the amazing opportunity in data analytics? So many people go into or choose some career path because of the hype, do you think people going into tech are actually seeing the incredible value and opportunities it offers?

That's very true, the allure of trends often leads people to follow the crowd and aspire to become a tech-bro or tech-sis without a clear understanding of their goals. During a conversation with one of my mentee, she expressed her desire to pursue data analytics, but her reasoning was misguided. She believed that since she uses Excel daily, data analytics would be a good fit for her, which is an incorrect foundation to start from and could lead to eventual dropout. Additionally, she voiced concerns about the scarcity of data analytics jobs in the market, which may influence how people perceive the field. In reality, people's perceptions of data analytics are often shaped by hype, job ads, and earning potential, without a deeper understanding of its true essence and the range of opportunities it offers.

Many individuals are focusing on the wrong aspects when considering new skills to acquire. Instead of recognizing the multitude of problems that exist and how their chosen skill could address these challenges, they tend to overlook this critical aspect. Specifically, in the context of data analytics, people often lack awareness of the numerous problems that can be solved through this powerful skill set. By honing their expertise in data analytics, individuals have the potential to become valuable solution providers, effectively tackling a wide range of problems. However, there is a lack of awareness regarding organisations that actively seek data analytics as a solution tool for their existing challenges. 

It all begins with our personal values and the experiences that shape our interests as we grow up. I often emphasise to people that our exposure plays a significant role in defining our passions. To make a meaningful impact, individuals need to cultivate awareness of the multitude of problems existing around us. By recognizing these challenges, we can develop a sense of purpose in seeking and implementing solutions. Specifically, in the realm of data analytics, it becomes crucial to understand its potential as a powerful problem-solving tool. People should be well-informed about how data analytics offers tailored solutions to address various issues across different industries.

Thank you so much, following your journey, you started as an Academic tutor, then you became a product manager, then a learning experience designer, and currently you are the director of learning at Tutera, you also founded a company called Teen Africa Academy. You have actually come a long way, what’s your plan for the future?

My career journey has been truly fascinating, and I attribute much of my success to several factors, including my personal values, the support of my family, and the environment. Additionally, my curiosity has played a pivotal role. I constantly find myself asking numerous questions, not just from others but from within, questioning the happenings around me. This curiosity has been a driving force behind my growth as a professional and has allowed me to be a lifelong learner—a crucial element for continuous development and success.

Transitioning from product management to becoming a learning experience designer has been an exciting journey fueled by curiosity. While working on various products at Tutera, I found myself naturally engaging in learning experience design activities. The term "learning experience designer" emerged during this process, prompting me to delve deeper by searching online. To my delight, I discovered that it is indeed a burgeoning career field, and more people are now recognizing its significance and potential. 

In regard to Teen Africa Academy,my inclination towards advising and guiding people, particularly concerning their careers, propels me to help them gain fresh perspectives and navigate their paths with clarity. I find immense fulfilment in assisting others to unveil hidden potentials and seize the possibilities that lie ahead.

One of the most valuable assets that have made me a better learning experience designer is my ability to ask the right questions, which invariably leads to the right answers. This profound belief in the power of questioning and seeking answers drove me to establish Teen Africa Academy. I firmly believe that early outreach to individuals is crucial, introducing them to the world of careers, as it is from exposure that genuine interests are ignited. The depth and quality of people's interests often reflect the extent of their exposure to various opportunities. Interests do not arise out of thin air; rather, they are formed through the power of information and the experiences gained from meaningful exposure. At Teen Africa Academy, we strive to provide this essential exposure, enabling individuals to explore their passions and unlock their full potential.

Teen Africa Academy was established with a crucial mission - to expose secondary school students to the vast world of work. Through our platform, we educate students about various industries, shedding light on the array of problems that exist and how careers fit into addressing these challenges. Our primary goal is to offer quality career education, preparing students for the future by instilling in them a global perspective and transforming them into responsible global citizens.

By adopting an Afro-centric learning approach, we aim to connect students with their African heritage and empower them to recognize that every career or industry serves a purpose - to solve specific problems. Our curriculum is designed to be highly specific, delving into various career paths, the relevant skills, and the tools these professions utilize in solving real-world problems.

As we build and refine the Teen Africa Academy curriculum, we are actively seeking partnerships with esteemed training institutions like Utiva, envisioning a future where our collaborative efforts will shape and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, equipped to make a positive impact on their communities and the world at large.

In my career journey, my aspiration is dedicated to helping people learn, preparing individuals for success, and crafting enriching learning experiences and environments. My ultimate goal is to address the pressing issue of learning inequality, even though it might not be widely recognized at present. I firmly believe that this challenge will eventually surface, and I am determined to be at the forefront, proactively working to solve it. By identifying this concern early on, I am committed to making a significant impact and contributing to a brighter future where learning opportunities are accessible and equitable for all.

What role did your learning experience at Utiva played in your career path?

Utiva's learning experience stood out for several reasons that truly resonated with me. One aspect I particularly loved was their use of industry-leading facilitators, which made the learning process feel more authentic and geared towards real-world applications. Adopting a project-based learning approach was another highlight, allowing us to immerse ourselves in hands-on experiences that were both engaging and practical. 

The sense of community within our cohort was invaluable; it alleviated the burden solely on the facilitator, as we could collaborate and learn from each other's perspectives, fostering motivation and building lifelong relationships. Utiva's extensive network of Alumni is impressive, and I am eager to witness its further utilisation and impact. 

Furthermore, I appreciated the personalised learning experiences, even in a group setting, which catered to individual needs and preferences. 

Overall, the learning experience at Utiva was top-notch, though like any program, there are areas with potential for improvement. I believe that Utiva's commitment to continuous enhancement will lead to even more outstanding learning opportunities in the future.

What are your final words?

In conclusion, my final words of advice go out to all those individuals, especially busy professionals, who are contemplating learning something new. The best time to start is now, without procrastination. With training programs offering diverse learning modalities like Hybrid learning, self-paced learning, or fully on-site learning, there's an approach that will suit everyone's needs.

The truth is, there is no "perfect" time to embark on this journey. It's essential to adopt an international perspective on learning, paving your own path and taking the first step. The road may be rough initially, just as it was for me when I started without a laptop and had to borrow one on weekends. However, I didn't let challenges deter me; I embraced the rough journey and persisted. Now, looking back, I have come a long way and can even afford to buy multiple laptops simultaneously.

So, don't wait for a perfect moment—there isn't one. Start learning now, take that leap, and watch how your determination and dedication will transform you. With a can-do attitude, you'll achieve remarkable growth and success, no matter where you begin. The journey may not be easy, but it will undoubtedly be worth it. So, don't delay any longer—start your learning journey today.

Bunmi Eyiaro Madugu, is a dedicated learning leader with 7 years of experience enhancing learning outcomes and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Her expertise lies in designing impactful learning experiences and driving innovation in the field of education. Currently, Director of Learning at Tuteria, she drives Pedagogical Expertise, Curriculum Development, Technology Integration, UX Design, Data Analysis, Research, and analysing Education Trends to ensure Tuteria remains at the forefront of the learning industry. 

Passionate about human capital development, Bunmi is the visionary founder of Teen Africa Academy, a social enterprise committed to bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application through an Afro-centric approach. Through her work, she nurtures a global perspective in value creation and fosters a strong sense of responsibility in young learners. 

In addition to her professional endeavours, Bunmi dedicates her time and expertise as a volunteer to the Jara team, where she plays a crucial role as the Director of Education & Operations. Her involvement with Jara centres on making quality education accessible to children in marginalised communities, disaster regions, and refugee camps. Bunmi's commitment to education extends further as she serves on the Learning Advisory Board at Schoolinka, actively contributing to the design of professional development courses for educators. 

Her involvement in this capacity showcases her passion for empowering educators to create impactful learning environments. When not shaping the future of education, Bunmi unwinds by reading, surfing the internet, taking long walks, embarking on long-distance travels, and spending time with her friends and family. Bunmi Eyiaro Madugu's journey in education and her dedication to human capital development exemplify her as an inspiring and influential figure in the learning space. 

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