A Professor of Statistics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Barnabas Adebola, has called on governments at all levels to prioritise regular and accurate data collection as a foundation for effective planning and national development.
Delivering the institution’s 181st Inaugural Lecture titled “Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen: Understanding the Hide and Seek Game”, Prof. Adebola stressed that quality data gathering using statistical methods is essential for precision in decision-making and for fostering development across sectors.
“There should be enabling laws to foster strong collaboration between government, non-governmental organisations, and universities in unbiased and quality data gathering,” he said. “Only with reliable data can society plan effectively and make informed decisions.”
He further recommended the training of more statisticians across the country to ensure data integrity and consistency. To improve national data systems, he advocated the establishment of regional laboratories equipped with modern facilities for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Prof. Adebola underscored the critical role of statistics, stating: “Statistics is both an art and a science. It transforms raw data into usable information and, ultimately, actionable knowledge that drives progress.”
Using relatable examples, he explained the concept of sampling as a cornerstone of statistical application. “Just as a chef samples a spoonful of soup to judge the entire pot, statisticians use samples to infer characteristics of a larger population,” he noted.
Emphasising the role of statistics in sectors like agriculture, economics, and population studies, the professor highlighted the precision offered by ratio estimation techniques—such as estimating crop yield or income-to-family size ratios—as vital tools for informed planning.
He urged young people to gain at least a basic understanding of statistics, warning that ignoring the subject could have “phenomenal consequences in the near future.” To adults and professionals, he advised: “If your job requires interpreting data, you might get by without statistics—but not well, and not without missing the technical depth required.”
Prof. Adebola is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society (FRSS), a member of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria (CISON), and of the International Statistical Institute (ISI).
In her opening remarks, Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, described Adebola as a distinguished scholar who has contributed immensely to teaching, research, and mentoring young statisticians. She commended the lecture as a well-delivered intellectual contribution to national discourse on data and development.
