FUNAAB Strengthens Digital Skills with 3rd Data Visualisation Workshop

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), through its Directorate of Academic Information Systems (DACIS), has held the third edition of its capacity-building workshop on Data Visualisation using ggplot in R, aimed at enhancing the digital and analytical competencies of Academic staff.

The hands-on training, which took place today, March 24, 2026, at Café 2 of the University’s ICT Building, attracted lecturers and researchers seeking to deepen their expertise in data analysis, visualisation, and interpretation for research and teaching.

In his slide presentation titled “Data Visualisation with ggplot in R,” Prof. Olaniyi Olayiwola, who delivered the University’s 108th Inaugural Lecture provided participants with a practical overview of the ggplot package within the R programming environment. He highlighted key processes involved in data analysis, including data importation, identification and handling of missing values, detection and treatment of outliers through capping and removal, as well as data cleaning and transformation techniques.

Prof. Olayiwola, who is currently the Deputy Dean, Postgraduate School, further enriched the session with a case study on University Staff Medical Data, demonstrating how these techniques can enhance data interpretation and support informed decision-making in research and institutional contexts.

Earlier, the Director of DACIS, Prof. Olusegun Folorunso, described the workshop as part of ongoing efforts to equip the Academic community with essential digital skills required in today’s data-driven research environment. He noted that the growing importance of data in research and institutional planning makes strong competencies in data analysis and presentation indispensable, adding that the true value of data lies in its effective interpretation and communication.

He further explained that the adoption of the R programming language, particularly the ggplot framework, was deliberate due to its widespread use in academia and industry. According to him, the package offers a flexible approach to producing high-quality visuals, while the workshop’s practical sessions exposed participants to data importation, cleaning, chart creation, and advanced techniques such as layering and faceting to enhance clarity.

Prof. Folorunso encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve research output, teaching delivery, and supervision of students’ projects, while commending the resource persons and organisers for a successful programme.

#SDG4, #SDG16