By Seyi Adeyemi
The Department of Statistics at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) continues to forge strategic relationships for academic growth through a partnership with the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) at the University of Colorado, Boulder, USA. The LISA 2020 Global Network, with the goal of training statisticians and data scientists from developing countries, has a target of establishing 20 statistical laboratories by 2020.
These stat labs serve as crucial research infrastructure, transforming statistical evidence into practical solutions for real-world problems. In Nigeria, the network includes several prominent institutions: the Federal University of Technology, Akure; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti; Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Gombe State University; Imo State University; and many others.
This year, the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis and Collaboration (LISAC) at FUTA recently organized a four-day intensive workshop on “Modeling Under Various Assumptions Variations.” The event drew participants from across the university and beyond, including the Head of Department, Professor Ayinde, along with Dr. Alabi and Mr. Bello. Department technologists, Mrs. Omotoye, Mrs. Odoh, and Mr. Ogungbola also participated in the training. Also, the student representative, led by Tope Amusa who has been a volunteer in recent years, played a key role in organizing other students, coordinating logistics and ensuring the event’s success. Other students from the department, including Usman Idowu, and Balogun Olatomiwa amongst others. They all attended the workshop to enhance their capabilities in statistical modeling and practical data science. The training focused on interdisciplinary research collaboration, building capacity in statistical advocacy and data science support, and establishing a platform for promoting interdisciplinary research culture.
This partnership with LISA is part of FUTA’s broader efforts to elevate the profile of statistical education and research on campus. The university has worked closely with LISA over the past several years, engaging in joint projects, faculty exchanges, and collaborative publications. These initiatives have helped strengthen the department’s expertise and global reach, positioning it as a leading center for statistical innovation in the region.
While speaking with one of the correspondence of FUTA radio, Tope Amusa, one of the students in the department, who has been actively involved in LISAC’s initiatives and his efforts have empowered students to leverage data-driven insights across various fields, reinforcing the role of statistical analysis as a cornerstone for addressing complex research questions. said “Participating in LISAC’s activities in collaboration with LISA has been an invaluable experience, allowing me to apply my statistical knowledge in real-world settings and contribute to the department’s growing global network,”
LISAC aims to serve 25-50 students and staff monthly through its consulting unit, fostering proper statistical applications across disciplines. The laboratory plans regular seminars and workshops led by prominent statisticians and data scientists, maintaining similar monthly participation rates. These initiatives will be complemented by short courses in statistical software and packages designed to meet diverse research objectives. The laboratory’s mission extends beyond traditional statistical education, emphasizing joint publications in high-impact journals and enhanced data visualization in teaching methods. LISAC will provide crucial support for grant proposal writing, incorporating relevant statistical tools to strengthen funding applications.
Through mentorship programs and refresher courses, LISAC aims to support emerging economists, engineers, and environmentalists, making statistical analysis more accessible and applicable across fields. The initiative includes comprehensive advertising of laboratory services throughout the university community, ensuring widespread awareness and utilization of these resources.
“LISAC’s holistic approach to statistical capacity building is transforming how our students and faculty engage with data-driven research,” said Professor Ayinde. “By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and promoting the practical application of statistical methods, we are poised to make a lasting impact on the regional and global academic landscape.”
This innovative approach to statistical education and research support marks a significant step in FUTA’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and practical application of statistical methods in academic and professional settings. Through these initiatives, LISAC is set to transform the perception of statistics, making it more attractive and relevant to modern research and professional practice.