Data Science Programme Survey Forms to RUFORUM Member Universities

RUFORUM, in collaboration with Patira Data Science, is conducting a series of surveys across member universities to support the development and implementation of the RUFORUM-Patira Data Science Programme, which was endorsed during the RUFORUM Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Botswana in December 2025 by the Deans and Principals of RUFORUM member universities.

The initiative seeks to strengthen Data Science capacity across RUFORUM universities by developing coordinated training pathways ranging from short professional courses and certificates to postgraduate degrees (MSc and PhD). The programme emphasizes applied analytics, real-world datasets, interdisciplinary collaboration, and alignment with regional development priorities such as agriculture, health, climate resilience, and digital transformation.

To support effective programme design and rollout, RUFORUM and Patira are collecting input from three key stakeholder groups within member universities:

• University leadership (Vice Chancellors and senior administrators):to assess institutional readiness, strategic positioning, infrastructure, partnerships, and sustainability models for hosting Data Science programmes.
• Deans, Principals, and academic leaders:to document curriculum readiness, teaching capacity, digital infrastructure, and opportunities for partnerships and applied projects.
• Students and recent graduates:to understand learning experiences, access to computing resources, demand for training, and challenges related to Data Science education and career pathways.

The surveys will help RUFORUM and Patira:

• Identify institutional strengths and capacity gaps in Data Science education.
• Inform the design of curricula, training-of-trainers programmes, and shared digital infrastructure (such as regional cloud and high-performance computing platforms).
• Strengthen collaborations with research organizations, including CGIAR centers, to support internships, applied research, and joint supervision.
• Ensure that Data Science training across RUFORUM universities is practical, accessible, and aligned with employment and research opportunities in Africa’s emerging data-driven economy.

The findings from these surveys will guide the co-design and phased implementation of the RUFORUM-Patira Data Science Programme and will inform follow-up engagements with participating universities to develop sustainable delivery models and regional collaboration mechanisms.

Please find the survey links below:

Form 1 – Vice Chancellors:

https://forms.gle/7UZ6LnS8x3eLKzUS8

Form  2 – Deans and Principals:

https://forms.gle/BKEEFBMTmNQzMpit5

Form 3 – Students:

https://forms.gle/6d98dQNh2wAJ5eUZ8