UI Department of Statistics Honours Pioneer Head, Professor Samuel Oseni Adamu, with Memorial Lecture

The Department of Statistics, University of Ibadan, has honoured its pioneer Head, the late Professor Samuel Oseni Adamu, with a memorial lecture in recognition of his contributions to statistical education, manpower development, mentorship and national transformation.

The maiden edition, titled Foundation and Frontiers of Statistics: Manpower Development, Mentorship and National Transformation: The Legacy of Prof. Samuel Oseni Adamu, was delivered by Professor S. B. Adebayo, Professor of Biostatistics and former Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at NAFDAC.

Professor Adebayo called for a reassessment of statistics education in Nigeria, describing statistics as more than a collection of mathematical techniques but a principal language through which a nation understands itself and a tool for evidence-based decision-making.

He described Professor Adamu as one of the forefathers of statistics in Nigeria who laid the foundation for rigorous statistical education and research through the establishment of the Department of Statistics at the University of Ibadan.

According to him, Professor Adamu understood that a nation cannot plan what it cannot measure, and it cannot measure without trained minds, which informed his emphasis on manpower development, curriculum development and training of generations of statisticians.

The lecturer charged statisticians to build on that foundation by embracing data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning and computational statistics, while retaining sound methodology, ethical practice and intellectual integrity. He urged young statisticians to become problem-solvers capable of linking theory with real-world policy challenges.

He also called for stronger statistical institutions, reliable data systems and improved capacity for surveys, censuses and administrative records to support national planning in healthcare, education, employment and resource allocation.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Juwon Tunde Arotiba, said the lecture was an opportunity to celebrate Professor Adamu's enduring contributions to the discipline.

The Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, who chaired the occasion, described Professor Adamu as a significant figure in the development of statistics in Nigeria, noting his indelible footprint in the former Federal Office of Statistics and his contributions to econometric modelling, sampling theory and official statistics.

The Head of Department, Professor Oluwayemisi O. Alaba, described Professor Adamu as a distinguished scholar, teacher, mentor and pioneer whose legacy remains evident in scholarship and institution-building. She noted that he established the department in 1973 and appreciated the Samuel and Patience Adamu Foundation for partnering to institute the lecture series, which also marked his 92nd posthumous birthday.

The programme featured an Institutional Memory Session with contributions from former Vice-Chancellor Professor A. I. Olayinka, former Director-General of the Federal Office of Statistics Mr Dejo Ajayi, former Acting Head of Statistics Professor T. A. Bamiduro, and Oyo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Professor D. K. Shangodoyin.

A panel discussion also featured Heads of Statistics from FUTA, UNILAG, OAU, LASU and FUNAAB. Awards of Excellence were presented to first-class students of the department.

Earlier, the Head of Department led representatives of the Adamu family on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor.