Courage O. Dike

Head of Data & AI with 8+ years leading data science and machine learning initiatives across fintech, insurance, and financial services. Proven record building AI-driven fraud detection and risk models that have cut financial fraud by 35%, while leading cross-functional teams and driving enterprise AI adoption. Deep expertise in MLOps, regulatory compliance (GDPR/NDPR), and real-time data infrastructure, with a strong second track record training and mentoring 100+ data scientists across Africa.

Lead Data Science & Machine Learning Instructor/Mentor - IBT Learning Africa - Texas, USA (Remote)

(2025-01)

• Train and mentor aspiring data scientists in AI, machine learning, and data engineering concepts.
• Advise on industry applications of AI within fintech and payments, translating theory into deployable practice.
• Guide students through end-to-end AI model development, data pipelines, and real-world capstone projects.

Senior Data Scientist — Finance & Energy Sectors - Freelance - Remote

(2024-04)

• Developed real-time AI-driven fraud detection models, reducing fraud-related losses by 35%.
• Designed and deployed cloud-based ML solutions (Azure, SQL, Python) for payment risk analysis.
• Led end-to-end MLOps pipeline deployment, improving model scalability and automation.
• Built AI-powered BI dashboards (Power BI, Tableau), increasing decision-making efficiency by 50%.

Senior Data Scientist - First Dominion Insurance - Lagos, Nigeria

(2019-09 - 2024-03)

• Led a team of 5+ data scientists and analysts, owning AI strategy and governance.
• Built predictive models for fraud detection, customer risk profiling, and payment security, reducing financial fraud by 35%.
• Spearheaded AI model deployment and lifecycle management, improving operational efficiency by 30%.
• Optimised real-time payment transaction monitoring and anomaly detection systems.
• Ensured AI-driven risk assessment complied with GDPR, NDPR, and financial regulations.

Data Scientist - University of Lincoln - Lincoln, England

(2017-09 - 2019-12)

• Developed BI dashboards and analytics platforms, improving operational efficiency by 20%.
• Led cloud-based data engineering initiatives, streamlining payment data workflows.
• Partnered with stakeholders to embed AI solutions into strategic decision-making.

Data Analyst - OCS Group UK - Birmingham, England

(2016-03 - 2017-06)

• Built real-time analytics dashboards to optimise operational and financial performance.
• Conducted advanced statistical analysis to support executive decision-making.
• Automated data collection and reporting pipelines, improving business processes.

MSc - Business Computing - Birmingham City University (2016 - 2017)

BSc (Hons) - Computer Science - University of Lincoln (2012 - 2015)