FUNAAB Don Urges Nigeria to Embrace Predictive Data Models for National Development

A Professor of Statistics in the Department of Statistics, College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Olaniyi Olayiwola, has called on policymakers and institutions in Nigeria to urgently integrate predictive statistical tools into national planning, cautioning that reliance on reactive governance could hinder the nation’s progress in an increasingly data-driven global environment.

Prof. Olayiwola made this call on February 11, 2026, while delivering the University’s 108th Inaugural Lecture titled, “From Sample to Solution: Harnessing Statistics for Evidence-Based Public Decision-Making in the Data Age.” He presented data as strategic instruments for sustainable development, social transformation, and informed governance, rather than mere numerical records.

Describing the Lecture as a reflective account of his three-decade academic and research journey, the Inaugural Lecturer observed that although Nigeria generates substantial volumes of data, much of it remains underutilised. Drawing from practical case studies, he demonstrated how adaptive sampling designs, model-based estimators, and spatial analytical techniques have provided solutions to diverse challenges, including public health crises, fertility pattern analysis, agricultural forecasting, and institutional strengthening.

According to him, the persistent gap between statistical evidence and policy application can only be bridged through clear communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthened institutional trust.

Prof. Olayiwola therefore presented targeted recommendations to government, academia, and industry. He advocated the restructuring of national development planning frameworks to incorporate predictive statistical models such as spatial regression, Bayesian adaptive sampling, and time-series monitoring to enable proactive risk management.

In the area of public health and survey methodology, he called for improved data collection systems that enhance response efficiency while reducing operational costs. He also recommended that environmental exposure studies involving children and vulnerable populations be institutionalised, with findings translated into practical interventions at school and community levels.

For higher education institutions, the Professor proposed the adoption of predictive academic analytics to identify students at risk of poor performance early, thereby enabling timely interventions through mentoring, remedial programmes, and counselling.

Addressing aviation safety, he recommended systematic archiving and longitudinal analysis of monitoring data to support predictive maintenance and risk prevention beyond routine compliance checks.

In the agricultural sector, Prof. Olayiwola emphasised the need for scientific evaluation of locally available resources using statistical optimisation techniques to promote sustainable and cost-effective farming practices.

He underscored that these recommendations are anchored on stronger academia–industry–government partnerships, stressing that statistical research must translate into measurable national development outcomes.

The lecture concluded with the affirmation that rigorously collected, properly analysed, and effectively communicated data form the bedrock of credible evidence and informed public decision-making.

Earlier in his Opening Remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Olawale Dairo, noted that the Lecture was the second from the Department of Statistics and the ninth in the College of Physical Sciences.

The Vice-Chancellor further commended the Inaugural Lecturer for his service to the University through various committees and his contributions to national development.

Present at the event were the former Federal Commissioner of Education, Old Western Region, Prof. Biyi Afonja; Former Vice-Chancellor, FUNAAB, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako; Vice-Chancellor, Aletheia University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi, and the Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Prof. Akinola Akinlabi, including the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kola Adebayo, among others.