Akanji Ololade Abiodun
MEAL Specialist
Lokogoma
Summary
I am a seasoned database/MEAL specialist with ten years of cognate experience in developing robust health management information systems with specific focus on DHIS2 and utilizing evidence to guide public health interventions and informed decision-making at all levels. I am a certified data analyst proficient in R programming and Tableau software. As a specialist in HMIS design, review, and appraisal, I leverage on Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) to enhance organizational processes of information management systems. I have substantial experience working with government ministries, agencies, and departments under the federal ministry of health, as well as with donors and implementing partners.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Polio Data Officer
UNICEF, Nigeria
01.2019
- Interacted with the State Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and State Communication Working Group, and State Data Working Group where available, WHO and other relevant partner Data officers, STOP Teams, SIA Team, other Partners, and UNICEF Social Mobilization consultants/personnel for collection and quality analysis of polio, routine immunization, and other requested data as assigned.
- Provided technical support to ensure full functionality, adherence, and utilization of online VCM payment system and process monthly payment in the system together with the State Lead.
- Worked closely with the state VCM Coordinator for effective monitoring of state team performance and generating accountability reports.
- Implemented data quality assurance activities, conducted desk reviews and data quality checks, perform analysis of implementation progress across UNICEF on the data collected through the VCM network operations and present relevant feedback, linked to actions, at the routine/periodical internal meetings at the state level.
- Supported design of decision-making tools, such as infographics and reports, for relevant management teams and to supplement Abuja Data team contributions to donor reports, as requested.
- Ensured the required data sets are shared through the State Lead with Abuja team as per the agreed deadlines to facilitate national consolidation of various reports.
- Supported availability and accurate use of the data- recording/reporting tools at all levels.
- Identified and recommend data-related capacity-building and re-orientation needs on newly introduced and/or existing data-related tools; support development of content for the same; and facilitate orientation/briefing of the relevant personnel to bridge the identified gaps at their respective states as decided by State Lead.
- Supported national team in planning and implementation of surveys/ research activities and provide information, data, and specific analyses/reports as requested.
- Supported availability and use of the ODK and SQL platforms in C4D/Polio
DHIS2 Database Developer
PATHS2
01.2013
- Trained PACT staff and CBOs on the use of DHIS 1.4
- Ran complex projects/programs from design and development to production.
- Defined requirements and plan project lifecycle deployment.
- Defined resources and schedule for project/program implementation.
- Planned and scheduled project deliverables, goals, and milestones.
- Performed team assessments and evaluations.
- Efficiently identified and solved project issues.
- Demonstrated leadership to define requirements for project risk.
- Demonstrated strong organizational, presentation, and customer service skills.
- Troubleshoot systems and software.
- Conducted direct training sessions for clients on a wide range of software applications.
National Malaria Data Repository Manager
NMEP/MSH
09.2019 - 01.2025
- Led the design, deployment, and maintenance of the National Malaria Data Repository (NMDR) integrated with DHIS2.
- Developed dashboards and analytical tools enabling data-driven malaria program decision-making across 36 states.
- Coordinated quarterly data review meetings, achieving 98% data timeliness and 25% improvement in reporting completeness.
- Built capacity of 150+ government and partner staff on NMDR analytics and data visualization.
- Streamlined data reporting to USAID’s web-based platform and enhanced database structure for malaria indicators.
- Successfully setup management information system for the private health project focusing on PPMVs and CPs.
- Supported TES data management from 2019 to 2024
MEAL Specialist
CRS
- 01.2025
- Review sub recipients (SRs) submissions prior to analysis by the Senior Manager, MEAL and follow up with the SRs MEAL staff to track and resolve identified data quality issues.
- Collect, collate and archive all activity reports and other relevant documents for the M&E team.
- Support preparation of progress update/disbursement requests (PU/DR) in collaboration with other program staff for submission to GF and NMEP.
- Work with the Senior Manager, MEAL to ensure that the GF Malaria grant aligns with relevant CRS MEAL Policies and Procedures (MPP).
- Plan for all MEAL activities while tracking budget expenditures for burn rate analysis.
- Work with the Supply Chain Management Unit to triangulate and analyze service and logistic data and make recommendations to the Senior Manager, MEAL.
- Conduct regular field supervisory visits, data quality assessments and other activities with PRs, SRs, and government partners in line with approved Detailed Implementation Plans
- Support the use of ICT4D and roll out of CRS’ CAT strategy to support LLIN mass campaigns at national and state level.
- Support in tracking and collating key performance indicators (KPIs) and any other assigned duties.
- Develop appropriate MEAL implementation electronic in-process monitoring and assessment tools on APPs such as ODK, ArcGIS, Global Mapper etc.
- With oversight from the Senior Manager, MEAL, ensure that M&E and Program teams regularly review and adjust project implementation plans in the light of lessons learned from monitoring data and reflection sessions.
- Support learning-to-action events and reflection sessions to systematically analyze data for programmatic use, and to document and incorporate lessons learned into program design and implementation.
- Conduct regular data review and analysis for feedback to SRs and states for program improvement, and for updates to national level (CRS and government).
- Periodically analyze available data using appropriate analytical tools to produce reports.
- Generate knowledge management products including documentation of lessons learned, abstracts, posters, success stories, etc. from project implementation.
- Actively participate in the M&E Community of Practice with other CRS, SRs and government M&E staff.
- Support knowledge management systems and practices to gather, document and share best practices with SRs, government, and technical partners.
NMDR Manager/SI Advisor
NMEP/MSH
01.2019 - 01.2025
- Supported the development and implementation of the SME technical strategy and Activity Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) implementation.
- Developed, implemented, and monitored detailed annual SME work plans for the project, including a budget and work plan narrative.
- Supported implementation of RDT archival initiatives, fever monitoring, private health sector pilot, LMIS-HMIS data triangulation and other data quality improvement activities.
- Developed and implemented a project work plan performance monitoring framework/plan that ensures that project activities align with required deliverables and project targets in the AMELP.
- Established a system and tools for collecting, analyzing, and reporting on Task Order performance according to the AMELP; and take the lead for timely and complete reporting by all project staff, consortium partners, and grantee partners.
- Organized internal data review meetings to ensure data is used to improve project performance
- Led the development of a national malaria data repository on the DHIS 2 platform, linking to the national DHIS 2 database and extracting selected data elements for cleaning and use.
- Led the process of updating the auto-generated malaria bulletin with all malaria relevant pieces and data with approval by the project steering committee.
- Monitored, tracked, and evaluated project activities in line with project’s objectives.
- Led data analysis tasks and supported development of the national malaria dashboard for wider visualization to stakeholders at all levels.
- Supported implementation of SMC and ITN mass campaign in PMI-S supported states
- Created and share dashboards that covers key malaria areas with drill down function for analysis and quicker decision making with approval from the steering committee.
- Integrated data quality activities like DQA and reports into the NMDR.
- Detailed plan for all non-routine data and data sources included in NMDR.
- Supported the revamp of NMDR database structure to include only Malaria indicators and ensure improvement in the performance of the platform.
- Supported data reporting to the USAID web-based implementing partner reporting system.
- Supported the administration and management of the NMDR database.
- Created customized dashboards on the NMDR platform that allows for greater user interactivity.
- Developed additional cleaning modules as agreed upon with the SME key stakeholders to conduct analyses and designed dashboard to accommodate web-based triggers and filters to drill down facilities based on established rules.
- Built capacity of government entities (NMEP, SMEP and others), and selected stakeholders on NMDR analytics including required reporting.
M&E Consultant
Catholic Relief Services
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Supported the activities of the state-based VAS Consultants to ensure quality and timeliness of data collection and reporting.
- Provided technical oversight and guidance to strengthen state-level M&E systems.
- Ensured proper orientation and quality supervision to CRS state-based VAS consultants and independent monitors, and M&E focal persons in the State Primary Health Care Development Agencies (SPHCDAs)
- Refined the electronic platform for data capturing and advise on solutions for continuous improvement.
- Supported the implementation of the MNCH Week at the state levels.
- Demonstrated high level of self-initiative and use critical thinking skills to identify and fill gaps.
- Worked sensitively and positively with program staff to promote a learning environment.
- Trained and monitor routine immunization and social mobilization activities in the state.
Database/MEAL Officer
Catholic Relief Services
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Maintained the database to allow effective monitoring and reporting of project specific indicators and facilitated data use by the project team.
- Provided support in the operationalization of the development of the project MEAL system, including the continuous updating of the indicator performance tracking table.
- Led the use of Information Communication Technology for Development
- Developed controls, verification, and correction of errors in the data to ensure its quality.
- Contributed to the review of the national OVC M&E tools.
- Led the day-to-day tracking of project activities to ensure they address the project’s Performance Monitoring Plan.
- Developed, managed, and maintained databases of 4Children Nigeria project ensuring compliance with the CRS MEAL policies and procedures.
- Managed and maintained the data for the project in the DATIM system (required for PEPFAR projects).
- Successfully convened and facilitated three project review meetings and Learning events.
- Convened and coordinated periodic project review and learning events.
- Worked with external consultants on data collection and data input of GIS facility catchment area mapping.
- Developed national database for PEPFAR OVC implementing partners and CSOs.
- Supported MEAL Advisor in the adaptation/development of tools for data collection during assessments, operations research, and regular MEAL activities.
- Supported MEAL Advisor in the development of methodologies and training of field workers to collect data and coordinated data entry.
- Developed guides and information manuals for database use by all levels of staff and stakeholders.
- Developed templates for monitoring and reporting.
- Used appropriate ICT4D devices/tool to support project MEAL.
- Provided data and reports to program staff, management, consultants, partners, and other stakeholders.
Database Management Specialist
Pro-Health International
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Developed, deployed, and hosted DHIS2 database in accordance with Programme requirements and specifications.
- Designed and customized data collection and survey tools for both web data entry and mobile entries.
- Developed (JTRAC) incidence database for users to log in issues emanating from the use of DHIS2 database.
- Developed and disseminated progress report on indicators and results.
- Hosted DHIS 2.18 database in the cloud with BAO systems
- Monitored targets, gap analysis, outliers, and pivot table reports.
- Generated and disseminated routine reports for all projects.
- Managed and maintained the organization data reporting into DATIM.
Senior DHIS2 Database Administrator
Society for Family Health
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Developed DHIS 2.12 database, maintained and monitored it to support the use of data for Program planning, evaluation, policy, and advocacy at all levels.
- Modified and updated the application software module in accordance with Program requirement and specification.
- Scaled up DHIS2 application from three projects to ten projects on the same instance.
- Created auto-generated reports on each project’s dashboard.
- Linked DHIS2 database to third party excel pivot table for advance analysis.
- Managed and maintained the organization data reporting into DATIM.
- Ensured continuous quality improvement in different thematic areas.
- Generated and disseminated routine reports for all projects.
- Managed, troubleshoot, and provided solution to all issues emanating from the use of the application software.
- Developed and customized data collection and survey tools.
- Provided technical support to all users at various levels.
- Trained staff and conducted supportive supervisory visit.
Trainee Software Developer/DHIS2 Specialist
Centrifuge Information Technology Limited
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Trained PACT staff and CBOs on the use of DHIS 1.4
- Ran complex projects/programs from design and development to production.
- Defined requirements and plan project lifecycle deployment.
- Defined resources and schedule for project/program implementation.
- Planned and scheduled project deliverables, goals, and milestones.
- Performed team assessments and evaluations.
- Efficiently identified and solved project issues.
- Demonstrated leadership to define requirements for project risk.
- Strong organizational, presentation, and customer service skills
- Troubleshoot systems and software.
- Conducted direct training sessions for clients on a wide range of software applications.
- Developed and updated training manuals and handouts for training purposes.
- Designed, organized, set up and delivered courses to meet the needs of all staff.
- Monitored, evaluated, and reviewed the quality and effectiveness of training, assessment, and outcomes of courses delivered.
Education
MSc. - Information Management Technology
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
Bauchi01.2023
BSc. - Computer Science
Rivers State University of Science and Technology
Port Harcourt01.2010
ND - Mathematics and Statistics
Osun State College of Technology
Esa-Oke01.2004
Skills
Monitoring and evaluation of public health programs
DHIS2 development
Data visualization
Data analysis
Project management
Budget tracking and report writing
Certification
Monitoring and Evaluation of public health programs in Nigeria
Timeline
National Malaria Data Repository Manager
NMEP/MSH
09.2019 - 01.2025
Polio Data Officer
UNICEF, Nigeria
01.2019
NMDR Manager/SI Advisor
NMEP/MSH
01.2019 - 01.2025
M&E Consultant
Catholic Relief Services
01.2018 - 01.2019
Database/MEAL Officer
Catholic Relief Services
01.2016 - 01.2018
Database Management Specialist
Pro-Health International
01.2015 - 01.2016
DHIS2 Database Developer
PATHS2
01.2013
Senior DHIS2 Database Administrator
Society for Family Health
01.2013 - 01.2015
Trainee Software Developer/DHIS2 Specialist
Centrifuge Information Technology Limited
01.2011 - 01.2012
MEAL Specialist
CRS
- 01.2025
BSc. - Computer Science
Rivers State University of Science and Technology
ND - Mathematics and Statistics
Osun State College of Technology
MSc. - Information Management Technology
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University