Joy Nwabueze, the first female Professor of Statistics in Nigeria, on Monday called for adequate funding of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for optimal performance.
Nwabueze, a Lecturer at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, (MOUAU), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia.
The professor described the shortage of funds as a challenge to quality data collection and analysis, adding that statistics were essential in the formulation of good policies and planning.
Nwabueze, who was the first female Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of MOAUA, said that NBS should be given free hand and proper funding “because high quality data is very costly.”
According to her, it is unfortunate that somebody can stay under a tree and fill questionnaires and says he has collected data.
“Some questionnaires might have to travel across the country. It requires money, efficient and qualified people to get involved.
“So, if the country actually wants to get high quality data, it has to involve the right personnel and money as well, for such data collection and analysis,” she said.
Nwabueze advised women to develop interest in Statistics and Data Science to hone their skills for better performance in their careers. (NAN)