A Professor of Econometrics at the University of Ibadan, Professor Olusanya Elisa Olubusoye, has called on the federal government to declare a day every year to celebrate Nigerian Statistics Day. This, he said, would help to stimulate statistical consciousness among citizens.
He made the call while delivering the 537th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan on behalf of the Faculty of Science.
The lecture was entitled “From Data to Wonders: Unlocking the Extraordinary Power of Statistics.”
Professor Olubusoye, who suggested December 21 of every year, said the celebration will bring together key stakeholders in the Nigerian Project to demand evidence-driven policies and massive investment in data production, accessibility, and dissemination.
He said that this will bring rapid and sustainable national development.
The inaugural lecturer also advised the government to adopt a demand-side subsidy (public-private partnership) that encourages the private sector to gainfully engage the teeming youth population, thus promoting productivity and reducing unemployment.
From unravelling the mysteries of our DNA to predicting the future of our climate, Professor Olubusoye said Statistics serves as the compass, guiding us through the labyrinth of data.
He said statistics transforms mere information into actionable insights, revolutionising industries and shaping the course of human progress.
Professor Olubusoye said the true wonder of statistics lies not only in its transformative capabilities but also in its universal accessibility.
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He said Statistics empowers individuals, organisations, and nations to make informed choices, allocate resources wisely, and confidently address complex challenges.
He also described Statistics as the bridge between curiosity and discovery, between questions and answers.
As we stand at the threshold of an increasingly data driven world, the Professor of Statistics called for an appreciation of the profound role of Statistics in our lives; and the embracing of its power to illuminate the path forward, to make sense of complexity, and to shape a future that is not only data-rich but also enlightened by the wisdom of numbers.
“In the grand tapestry of human achievement, Statistics is the golden thread that weaves through the fabric of knowledge, progress, and innovation. It is the compass, the torch, and the guide to unlocking the extraordinary wonders of our world,” he stated.
Professor Olubusoye urged universities to prioritise and actively promote Statistics by funding and creating an enabling environment for the Department of Statistics to provide free and mandatory statistical assistance to the University community.
He urged everyone to strive for statistical alertness by becoming statistically literate.
