FUTA’s 181ST INAUGURAL LECTURE TO BE DELIVERED BY PROFESSOR FEMI BARNABAS ADEBOLA

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Temidayo OLADIJI, fas, cordially invites you to the 181st Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure,
to be delivered by Professor Femi Barnabas Adebola, Professor of Statistics.

Title:
“MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN: Understanding the Hide and Seek Game”

Date: Tuesday, 17th June 2025
Time: 3:00 P.M. (West Central Africa Time)
Venue: Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium, Federal University of Technology, Akure

Thank you.
Professor Adenike Temidayo OLADIJI, fas
Vice-Chancellor, FUTA

PROFESSOR FEMI BARNABAS ADEBOLA : A Beacon of Statistical Excellence

In a world increasingly driven by data, few minds have harnessed the power of statistics with as much precision, passion, and purpose as Professor Femi Barnabas Adebola. A distinguished academic, astute researcher, seasoned university administrator, and beacon of statistical excellence, Professor Adebola has consistently demonstrated that behind every number lies a story—and behind every dataset, a potential solution. His influence resonates across Nigeria and beyond, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s foremost authorities in statistical science.

Born on the 4th of September, 1971, in Kabba, Kogi State, Professor Adebola hails from the esteemed family of the Late Prince E.S. and Madam E.A. Adebola. From an early age, he exhibited an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a drive for excellence that would define his academic and professional journey.

His educational journey began at St. Andrew’s Primary School, Kabba (1977–1983), where he laid a solid academic foundation. He proceeded to St. Barnabas Secondary School, Kabba, from 1983 to 1988, and then to the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, where he earned the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) between 1989 and 1992.

With a growing passion for quantitative reasoning, he was admitted to the University of Ilorin, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc. Hons) in Statistics in 1997. He further pursued advanced studies at the same institution, obtaining a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in 2003 and culminating with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Statistics in 2010. These academic milestones laid the foundation for a remarkable career in statistical education, research, and leadership.

Professor Adebola’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. He is a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society (FRSS), United Kingdom, a member of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria (CISON), a member of the Nigerian Mathematical Society (MNMS), and a member of the International Statistical Institute (ISI). These prestigious affiliations underscore his international recognition and enduring impact on the global statistical community.

His professional career began in 2004 at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where he joined the Department of Mathematical Sciences as an Assistant Lecturer. Through unwavering dedication, academic rigor, and exemplary service, he rose steadily through the ranks to attain the prestigious position of Professor of Statistics in 2019.

Throughout his career, Professor Adebola has supervised a vast array of research projects, including numerous undergraduate theses, twenty-four (24) master’s dissertations, and five (5) doctoral theses. His expertise and fairness have made him a sought-after External Examiner and Assessor for professorial promotions at several prominent Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, University of Lagos, Ekiti State University, Afe Babalola University, Bowen University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, and the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology.

His research spans a wide spectrum of statistical domains, such as Sample Survey Methodology, Stochastic Processes, Time Series Analysis, Medical Statistics, Design and Analysis of Experiments, and Statistical Quality Control. Notably, Professor Adebola has made significant contributions to Randomized Response Techniques, Ratio Estimation, and Survey Sampling Efficiency. He developed innovative hybrid tripartite estimators and nearly unbiased estimators that effectively address non-sampling and response biases in sensitive data contexts. These methodological breakthroughs have substantially improved the accuracy and reliability of data in social and health research, enabling policymakers to make informed, evidence-based decisions.

With over 60 publications in peer-reviewed journals of both national and international repute, Professor Adebola is a prolific scholar. He regularly serves as a reviewer for esteemed journals including the Akademi Sains Malaysia Science Journal, CBN Journal of Applied Sciences, FUTA Journal of Research in Sciences, Journal of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology (FUNAAB), and Afrika Statistika, among others.

Beyond his academic and research accomplishments, Professor Adebola has held numerous administrative and leadership roles within FUTA. His appointments include:
Dean, School of Physical Sciences (August 1, 2023 – Present)
Acting Head of Department, Statistics (2014–2016)
Departmental Postgraduate Coordinator (various tenures between 2013 and 2019)
Membership of key university committees, such as the University Admission Committee, University Ceremonial Committee, Business Committee of Senate, and various curriculum and ICT-related panels.

His contributions have earned him numerous awards and research grants, underscoring his scholarly impact and his vital role in advancing the field of statistics and higher education in Nigeria

Outside the realm of academia, Professor Adebola is a man of deep faith and spiritual dedication. Since 2001, he has served with humility and conviction as a part-time Pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

Professor Adebola is in a fulfilling and harmonious marriage with his esteemed wife, Dr. Olukemi Grace Adebola—an Associate Professor of Sociology renowned for her compassion and academic excellence. Their marriage is blessed with Godly, purpose-driven children.