Yabatech Lecturer Urges Nigerian Government to Leverage Data and Statistics to Address National Challenges
By DAYO ADESULU
Dr. Olusesan Olufolabo, a chief lecturer in the Department of Statistics at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech), has called on the Nigerian federal government and various agencies to enhance their utilization of statistics and data analysis to tackle pressing national issues, particularly in health, education, and national planning sectors.
During the 18th Inaugural Lecture at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium, titled “Unlocking Insights: The Power of Statistics in Today’s Data-Driven World,” Dr. Olufolabo emphasized the transformative potential of statistics in improving the lives of Nigerians and shaping effective government policies.
In his research, which analyzed data from over 8,000 Nigerian women aged 15 to 49, Dr. Olufolabo revealed troubling statistics: infant mortality rates were significantly higher among children of uneducated mothers and those residing in rural areas. Additionally, he found that infants who ceased breastfeeding early were at an increased risk of dying within their first year. These findings contributed to the global policy advocating for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.
Dr. Olufolabo cautioned against making decisions without solid data, arguing that such choices are often ineffective. He urged educational institutions, research centers, and government agencies to integrate statisticians into their planning and research teams from the outset.
He posited that by converting raw data into actionable insights, statistics enable us to confront global challenges, foster innovation across various sectors, and enhance overall quality of life.
The lecturer pointed out that selecting the appropriate statistical technique remains a significant challenge for those unfamiliar with the field. He stressed the importance of staying informed about statistical methods to ensure accurate data analysis.
“Statistics is fundamental to scientific inquiry, allowing researchers to test hypotheses, validate theories, and draw reliable conclusions. Various fields, including medicine, engineering, climate science, and social sciences, depend on statistical analysis to understand phenomena and evaluate interventions,” he stated.
Dr. Olufolabo underscored the critical role of statistics in all aspects of life, asserting that meaningful planning is impossible without it. “Scientific results gain validation and utility only with the proper application of statistical techniques,” he affirmed.
He also noted that today’s informed decisions across various sectors are increasingly driven by data. Leaders in public and private sectors, healthcare professionals, business managers, and engineers are now expected to base their decisions on empirical data, with statistics guiding evidence-based decision-making and policy development.
“Statistics is life, and life is statistics,” he declared, reminding the audience of the importance of accurate data.
Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul, the rector of Yabatech and chairman of the lecture, commended Dr. Olufolabo for illustrating that everyone utilizes statistics in different ways. He highlighted the study’s findings on neonatal and post-neonatal mortality in Nigeria, noting that uneducated mothers in rural areas are at a higher risk, and early cessation of breastfeeding significantly increases mortality rates during infancy.
Dr. Abdul pointed out that the National Policy on exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life stems from Dr. Olufolabo’s research, which was supported by UNICEF and led to new maternity leave policies for mothers.
He also recommended establishing a Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) within the Department of Statistics to facilitate collaboration among researchers and provide statistical guidance.
In closing, Dr. Abdul praised Dr. Olufolabo for his exceptional presentation, awarding him a certificate of recognition for his outstanding contribution to the 18th Inaugural Lecture.
This lecture underscores the vital role of statistics in national development, calling for greater integration of data-driven decision-making in governmental policies and practices.
