Train. Research. Publish. Lead.

Oaks Research & Innovation Fellowship (ORIF)

An 8-week virtual research fellowship for ambitious scholars and professionals across Africa, powered by PollSensei.

About orif

The Oaks Research & Innovation Fellowship (ORIF) is a prestigious, 8-week international online fellowship designed to equip the next generation of researchers, analysts, technologists, and change-makers with advanced research, data, and publishing skills. Tailored for early-career professionals, graduate students, data analysts, policymakers, and innovators, ORIF blends cutting-edge AI-powered methodologies with practical, real-world application. Fellows receive live mentorship, engage in capstone research projects, and gain hands-on experience with tools like PollSensei, ChatGPT, Python, Excel and advanced data visualization platforms. Whether your goal is to design impactful studies, publish in international journals, secure research grants, or influence policy, ORIF prepares you to lead from anywhere in the world.

Duration: 8 Weeks (Fully Virtual)
Format: Live Sessions • Practical Assignments • Final Project
Tools: PollSensei, Tableau, Excel, Open Access Data Tools etc
Vibrant office teamwork scene with laptops, documents, and diverse professionals in a meeting.
 Fellowship Curriculum

What You’ll Learn

Week 01

AI-Powered Research Foundations

Explore the future of research with tools like PollSensei, ChatGPT, and Open Access Portals. Learn Prompt engineering and how AI enhances literature review, survey design, and idea generation.

Week 01
Week 02

Research Design, Systems Thinking & Frameworks

Master the art of framing research using logic models, theories of change, problem trees, and SMART objectives. Build rigor and relevance into your research design.

Week 02
Week 03

Digital Data Collection, Ethics & AI Bias

Design mobile-friendly surveys with real-world application. Learn about data ethics, responsible AI use, consent protocols, and controlling for sampling bias.

Week 03
Week 04

Data Cleaning, Transformation & QA

Develop skills in Excel, Python, and Google Sheets for real-world data wrangling. Implement validation protocols and build reproducible workflows.

Week 04
Week 05

Insight Communication & Data Reporting

Craft high-impact dashboards, infographics, and policy briefs. Use data visualization to influence decision-makers and tell human-centered stories with evidence.

Week 05
Week 06

Grant Writing & Global Funding Landscape

Write compelling proposals and budgets. Learn how to identify aligned funders, decode calls for proposals, and position your work for competitive advantage.

Week 06
Week 07

Publishing, Peer Review & Research Influence

Understand academic publishing pathways, journal targeting, peer review dynamics, and how to amplify your research impact across scholarly and policy circles.

Week 07
Week 08

Capstone Project & Policy Pitch Showcase

Present your Policy Brief and Complete a Capstone Project using PollSensei for primary data collection. The Capstone Project is mandatory before certificates are issued. Additionally, all participants are required to submit one manuscript for publication in a Q2 or Q3 journal.

Week 08
Bonus Section

Bonus Module & Capstone Project

Bonus Module (Optional):

Policy Influence & Research to Action – Learn how to translate research into real-world influence with stakeholders, policymakers, and donors.

Assignments & Capstone

  • Weekly assignments submitted via PollSensei
  • Capstone Project: Real-life study with guidance from mentors on PollSensei
  • Peer-reviewed + Certificate issued upon successful completion
  • Best projects may be selected for publication or journal submission
 Fellowship packages

PRICING

Discounts available for:
  • Group or organizational enrollment (3+ people)
  • Returning fellows or Oaks partner institutions
  • Early applicants
Meet Some of Our Facilitators

OUR TEAM

Learn from a diverse faculty of seasoned researchers, educators, and data science professionals across Nigeria, the UK, and South Africa, bringing you global expertise with contextual relevance.

This is only a preview, our full list of facilitators will be updated soon. They are carefully selected from leading academic, policy, and industry institutions to enrich your learning experience.

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Dr. Chukwuka Monyei (United Kingdom)

AI & Climate Risk Specialist | CEO, Escrow-Tech | Director, Oaks Intelligence.
An accomplished researcher with 1,000+ Google Scholar citations. Expertise spans AI/ML applications, climate finance, and decarbonization. Dr. Monyei bridges academic rigor with scalable, real-world solutions.


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Dr.  Peter Poopola (South Africa)

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Expert | Research Strategist | Published Author
MD/CEO of Oaks Intelligence Limited. Dr. Poopola is a leading voice in applied AI research and technology innovation across the African continent.


orif image 5

Mr. Timothy Imanobe Oliomogbe (Nigeria)

Environmental Specialist | Research and Development | Field Operations Expert | Statistical Analyst
A specialist in Environmental Engineering, Timothy brings strong field-based research experience, with expertise in field operations, data collection, statistical analysis, environmental consulting, and research and research design.


orif image 6

Ms. Omokehinde Ayodeji (Nigeria)

Chemical Engineer | Google-Certified Data Analyst | Visualization Trainer
Omokehinde is skilled in data using Tableau, Python and Excel. Her focus is on empowering researchers and professionals with practical analytics skills.


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Mr. Daniel Adeboye ( Nigeria)

AI/ML Engineer | Machine Learning Researcher | AI Systems Developer
Daniel is a hands-on AI software engineer and researcher, passionate about building intelligent systems and mentoring the next generation of AI talent in Africa.

Who’s It For?

WHAT YOU’LL GET

  • Young researchers & master’s/PhD students
  • NGO & M&E professionals
  • Data analysts, survey leads, academics
  • Government policy officers
  • Entrepreneurs working with data
  • Public health professionals
  • Professors and Senior Researchers
  • PostDoc fellows
  • Anyone building a career in research, funding, or insight
  • Verifiable Certificate + LinkedIn-verified badge
  • Journal Publishing Support (Premium Tier)
  • Capstone Research Project with mentorship
  • Discounted Access to PollSensei Pro
  • Lifetime Access to Course Manuals & Templates
  • Join a Pan-African Research Network
  • Build skills for research jobs, grants, and academia
  • Participants will be added to an exclusive network of researchers for post-fellowship collaboration and support.
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know.

Deadline to apply: September 22nd, 2025
Fellowship Launches: OCtober 6th, 2025
Slots are limited to maintain quality engagement.

Join the Early Access List

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