As part of its culture of celebrating intellectual excellence, Federal University Otuoke hosted its 11th Inaugural Lecture on the 29th of November, 2023. The prestigious event unfolded at the University Auditorium, East Campus, and was presided over by the esteemed Vice Chancellor, Professor Teddy Charles Adias.

The captivating lecture titled, “Statistics, The Discipline Created by God and Applied Consciously and Unconsciously in Our Everyday Lives,” was delivered by the distinguished Professor Ohakwe Johnson. A luminary in the Faculty of Science, Professor Johnson holds the prestigious position of a Professor of Applied Statistics.

 

Welcoming an audience comprising distinguished guests and the University community, Vice Chancellor Adias underscored the significance of the occasion, stating that it was a platform to “celebrate the intellectual prowess and achievements of an exceptional individual who has made significant contributions in his field of expertise.” He emphasized the lecture’s special place in the University ecosystem, marking the commencement of a new chapter in academic pursuits, particularly for those individuals who stand out in their respective fields.

Professor Adias expressed pride in Professor Ohakwe Johnson’s distinction, highlighting, “We’re proud to say our brother is indeed distinguished.” He emphasized that the inaugural lecture not only acknowledges individual accomplishments but serves as a testament to the University’s commitment to fostering collaboration and nurturing an environment conducive to academic growth.

The Vice Chancellor further elaborated, “Today, we are here to celebrate the exploits of Professor Ohakwe Johnson, who has proven himself as a trailblazer in his field, particularly in Statistics. His expertise in research and development has pushed the boundaries of knowledge in this field, inspiring countless students and scholars to follow in his footsteps.”

The audience was given a rare opportunity to gain insights into Professor Johnson’s experiences and discoveries, particularly in the intricate realm of Mathematical Science. Adias noted, “Today, we’ll sit down here and have the privilege to have insights into his experiences and indeed his discoveries as he shares his expertise in the complex space of Mathematical Science.”

 

Highlighting the broader importance of inaugural lectures, Adias emphasized their role in showcasing the University’s commitment to open collaboration and fostering a unified purpose. He remarked, “Inaugural lecture is not only to celebrate the exploits of individuals or achievements but is a testament of our University’s open doors for collaborations, nurturing the environment of our University and how we, through our knowledge, foster unity of purpose.”

In his inaugural lecture, Professor Ohakwe Johnson passionately delved into the profound connection between Statistics and academic research, shedding light on the discipline’s pivotal role in systematically addressing variability and uncertainty for the generation of valid inferences.

Professor Johnson underscored the indispensable nature of Statistics in the research process, emphasizing its ability to meticulously account for variability and uncertainty, ultimately ensuring the accuracy of results. The lecture elucidated the integral role of data collation and analysis in the research endeavor, with a specific focus on descriptive statistics. This branch encompasses measures of central tendency, including the mean and median, as well as measures of variability such as standard deviation and variance.

The Professor expounded on the dual facets of statistics, distinguishing between descriptive statistics, which aims to describe a specific dataset, and inferential statistics, employed to make inferences and predictions about a broader population. The comprehensive lecture touched upon advanced statistical techniques, including regression analysis and hypothesis testing, highlighting their pivotal roles in the research landscape.

Professor Ohakwe Johnson delved into the connection between statistics and the creation story in Genesis, suggesting that God applied statistical principles in His meticulous process of creating the world. From establishing the heavens and earth to creating light and darkness, night and day, Adam and Eve, and even naming all the animals in the Garden of Eden, each act was considered a statistical variation.

This consciousness of applying statistics extended beyond these biblical accounts and could be observed in our daily lives, such as the ordinary woman selling goods on the street or the filling station attendant measuring petrol. According to Professor Johnson, these examples highlight how statistics permeate our existence, both in subtle and obvious ways.

His lecture provided a thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between statistics, academic research, God, and human actions in various fields of life, offering valuable insights into the contributions of statistics to the pursuit of knowledge.

The event concluded with a resounding appreciation for Professor Ohakwe Johnson’s contributions, reinforcing the University’s commitment to academic excellence and its role in addressing societal challenges through knowledge and expertise.

 

From Publications Unit