The need for statistical thinking to be seen and embraced as a universal discipline capable of bringing order, clarity, and relentless improvement to every facet of human existence, formed the core of the 454th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Lagos.
Titled “Control Chart: A Garment for All”, the Inaugural Lecture which is the 8th in the 2025/2026 Academic Session of UNILAG, was delivered by Professor Ademola Johnson Adewara, of the Department of Social Science, Distance Learning Institute (DLI) on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the J.F. Ade Ajayi (Main) Auditorium of UNILAG.
It had in attendance, students, colleagues, professional associates, industry, friends, and well wishers including Former Acting Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Dr Chris Maiyaki.
In his presentation, the Professor of Statistics gave a detailed redefinition of the control chart beyond being an industrial quality assurance tool to its indispensability as a graphical, data-driven framework applicable to healthcare, education, business, law, theology, morality, and institutional sustainability.
He described the control chart as a statistical instrument that plots process metrics over time against scientifically derived Upper and Lower Control Limits (UCL/LCL), enabling practitioners to distinguish between random variation and systemic problems.
While demystifying the concept, Prof. Adewara warned against common misapplications, including the selection of inappropriate chart types, and the neglect of non-normal data distributions. He also stressed the urgent need for “statistical literacy” among professionals whose decisions rely heavily on data.
Expanding the Frontiers of Statistical Science
Professor Adewara highlighted his research contributions across four major domains.
In Statistical Process Control and Quality Assurance, he developed robust Process Capability Indices (PCIs) and control charts based on the Marshall-Olkin Inverse Log-Logistic (MO-ILL) distribution to address skewed and non-normal data prevalent in Nigerian industries. According to him, these methods offer more accurate and conservative assessments than traditional normal-based approaches, thereby reducing waste and improving competitiveness.
Under Distribution Theory and Applications, he introduced the “Zech” distribution—an inverse of the Gompertz Inverse Exponential model—tailored for heavy right-tailed data common in reliability engineering and economics. Empirical validations, he noted, shows that the Zech distribution outperforms classical Weibull and Log-Normal models in predictive accuracy.
In the area of Health Modelling and Public Health, the Statistician recalled his milestone at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he modeled HIV/AIDS progression using Homogeneous Semi-Markov Processes, estimating transition probabilities and patient waiting times.
He also cited how his breast cancer survival studies, employing Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models, identified tumour stages and surgery type as critical predictors of survival.
Strengthening Open and Distance Learning
Professor Adewara’s inaugural lecture underscored how statistical process control can enhance operational efficiency and academic integrity especially at Distance Learning Institute(DLI).
His interventions included embedding statistical monitoring in DLI operations to curb examination malpractice through coded dockets and biometric verification systems.
A Vision for the Future
Professor Adewara, in his recommendations, proposed transforming the Distance Learning Institute into a fully autonomous School of Open and Distance Education, led by administrators trained specifically in ODL systems.
He also advocated the integration of artificial intelligence-driven adaptive learning, virtual and augmented reality technologies, blockchain-based credential security, and data analytics for course optimization.
About Professor Adewara
Prof. Ademola Johnson Adewara is a Professor of Statistics with over two decades of academic, administrative, and research experience. He joined the employ of the University of Lagos in 2002 as a Lecturer II and rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Statistics in 2020.
He has served in several leadership roles, including Deputy Director, Distance Learning Institute and Head, Department of Social Sciences, DLI. He was also a Visiting Professor at the Lagos State University of Education between 2024 and 2025.
He has also served the nation through engagements with the National Universities Commission (NUC) on ODL policy reviews, the Federal Ministry of Education, and as an INEC Returning Officer. His professional services include roles as external examiner for several universities (OAU, NOUN, LASPOTECH, YABATECH, ABU, FUTA) and membership in key national statistical and educational bodies.
Prof. Adewara has secured notable research grants, including a TETFUND National Research Fund of ₦22 million (in 2022) and two other grants under the University of Lagos Central Research Committee (in 2021).
His inaugural lecture titled; “Control Chart: A Garment For All” is the first in the history of the Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos since its establishment in 1973.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Photograph: Michael Joshua
