The Role of Statistics in National Development with Reference to Botswana and Nigeria Statistical Systems

Abstract

This paper discusses the importance of statistics and statisticians in national development with emphasize that government at all levels should embark on building a very viable information system in order to have adequate statistical information for designing a formidable evidence based policy. Given the relevant statistics cited from both Botswana and Nigeria statistical database, this study identifies that no meaningful national development can take place without empowering the national statistical system. In national development, the aspirations of a policy is to attain national goals and to achieve a fair measure of success in the goals, there is need to map out strategic plans, set up machinery for execution of the plans and monitor the implementation process; this is exactly the point at which the role of statistics is vital and relevant.

Student and Teacher Factors as Predictors of Statistics Achievement in Federal School of Statistics Ibadan

“…On students' attitude towards statistics, the findings of Onocha [35], Mukherjee [28], Houston et al [19] and Usman [41] as cited by Gbore & Daramola [16] reported that attitude to Mathematics explained more of the total variance than the children intelligence and that attitude of students towards science were linked with some personality factors through relationship with teachers. In another finding on the significance of students attitude towards statistics, Shangodoyin & Lasisi [39] cited that Santillán el al [37], Beins [11], Yala. &Wanjohi [45], Katz &Tomezic [22], Wenglinsky [43] and Evans [12] there were existence of positive correlation among college students attitude toward statistics and their academic performance.…”

Promoting Statistical Practice and Collaboration in Developing Countries

“…This hinges on the fact that statistical literacy helps to make sense of statistics, that is, to reason and understand statistics. To support this fact, most economic models are built based on the available statistical information, and these models help in monitoring the performance of the economy and the social well-being of the people (Shangodoyin & Lasisi, 2011). This, then, means that the misuse of statistics will negatively affect the performance of the economy through policy recommendations emanated from the wrong use of data.…”

“…Even though statistics is applicable to all disciplines such as economics, medicine, psychology, law, sociology, and political science, there is a dearth of studies on the role played by statistics in national development. There is a claim (Kelegama, 2016;Shangodoyin & Lasisi, 2011;Kegame, 2007) that statistics is now a means of achieving national and international development. To achieve an enabling environment, there is a need not just for statistics but also for statistical literacy.…”

“…Using Botswana and Nigeria Statistical Systems, Shangodoyin and Lasisi (2011) reveal that there is a need for the empowerment of the NSS before any substantial national development can occur. From the authors' point of view, statistics is very crucial for the development process because it helps in the implementation, execution, and monitoring process of the plans towards achieving national development.…”

“…According to Shangodoyin and Lasisi (2011), "statistics is an indispensable tool for national development, growth, and planning". In examining the role of statistics in economic development, studies (such as Shangodoyin & Lasisi, 2011) show that economic Some Online Resources www.doh.wa.gov www.nigerianstat.gov.ng www.openresource.sue www.storytelling.com www.theguardian.com/teachers-network www.nairametrics.com/ 2020/03/19/fg-to-reduce-n1-5-trillion -from-2020-budget…”