The Department of Data Science, University of Ibadan, emerged in 2025 following the unbundling of the traditional Computer Science programme into specialized computing disciplines, in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC)’s 2018 Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS). This development marked the transition of the former Department of Computer Science into the Faculty of Computing, with the Department of Data Science being one of its foundational units.

The unbundling reflects the global trend towards specialization and diversification within the computing profession, enabling students to focus from the outset on distinct areas of expertise such as Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology, and others.

The Department of Data Science was established to meet the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making and to train a new generation of professionals equipped with the analytical, computational, and statistical skills required in today’s digital economy. It builds on the rich legacy of the former Department of Computer Science, which was founded in 1974 and had trained experts in Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Software Engineering, Bioinformatics, and more.

The Department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including academic M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees in Data Science. Its curriculum is aligned with international best practices and focuses on areas such as machine learning, big data analytics, data visualization, statistical modelling, and data ethics.

Since its inception, the Department has positioned itself as a hub of excellence in research and teaching. It aims to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also capable of applying data science solutions to real-world problems across industries. The Department continues to benefit from the experience, research strengths, and mentorship of distinguished faculty who have been instrumental in shaping computing education at the University of Ibadan.