FUTA, American University Partner to Inspire More Women in Statistics

The Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) has introduced the Women in Statistics Initiative Programme (Wi-Stat) to boost the participation of women in the field of statistics.

The programme, launched on August 7, 2025, is a collaboration between FUTA’s Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistics Analysis (FUTA LISA), its Department of Statistics, and the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji—represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Sunday Oluyamo—underscored the importance of statistics and data in addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges. She described the programme, themed Women in Statistics – Join the Network of Data-Driven Women, as timely for a country in urgent need of evidence-based solutions.

Prof. Oladiji commended the contributions of women in FUTA who have earned global recognition in research and awards, stressing that women must be given equal opportunities to excel in every field.

Delivering a lecture titled My Journey in Statistics: Lessons, Challenges, and Motivation, former Head of the Department of Statistics at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Adedayo Adepoju, shared her experiences, highlighting the low representation of women in statistics both as students and staff. She urged female students to take advantage of free online courses, join professional associations, remain persistent, and believe in their abilities.

“In my time, we were just four females to 19 males in my department. In some universities, there are no female staff at all. Things are changing, but more needs to be done,” she said, calling for the appointment of more women into leadership positions in academia.

Also speaking, FUTA’s Director of Career Services, Prof. Mojisola Dahunsi, in her lecture Career Path for the Digital Age, stressed the need for continuous skill development to remain relevant in the fast-changing technological landscape. She also linked Nigeria’s development setbacks to its failure to make data-driven decisions, advocating for interdisciplinary learning and practical problem-solving.

The National President of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, Prof. Folasade Olajuyigbe, urged female students in statistics to pursue advanced degrees, while the Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, Prof. Femi Adebola, noted that female students in the department have consistently won best graduating student awards.

Head of the Department of Statistics, Prof. Olatunde Adeoti, explained that the initiative aims to build a vibrant community of women passionate about statistics, data science, and analysis, while FUTA LISA Coordinator, Dr. Oluwadare Ojo, revealed plans to host the programme biennially and extend outreach to secondary schools.

Goodwill messages came from global partners including the Director of LISA at the University of Colorado, USA, Prof. Tonya Pruitt, and Dr. Asifa Kamal from Pakistan’s LISA 2020 Global Network.

With this launch, stakeholders believe other institutions will follow FUTA’s lead in implementing the Wi-Stat initiative.