First Female Statistics Professor, Prof. Atinuke Olusola Adebanji, Reflects on Her Impactful Journey; Advocates for Maternal Health

In her pioneering role as the first female professor of statistics and the founding head of the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at KNUST, Prof. Atinuke Olusola Adebanji has been an influential force in academia. Known for her sharp mind and simplicity, she reflects on her journey, from childhood curiosity to becoming a distinguished figure in the field of statistics.

Growing up in GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, Prof. Adebanji’s inquisitive nature set her on a path of questioning and learning. Despite her mother’s finding her questions bothersome, her grandmother’s patience nurtured her curiosity.

This inquisitiveness remained a constant in her life. In 1986, she ventured into statistics at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, inspired by the versatility and applicability of the field.

After working as a statistician, she later pursued her master’s and PhD, delving deeper into academia. Prof. Adebanji’s master’s thesis focused on poverty, revealing that poverty seemed to disproportionately affect women.

This realization fueled her interest in mother-and-child studies. In 2014, she earned a Master of Public Health degree, emphasizing population and reproductive health, further strengthening her commitment to maternal health.

Transitioning to public health wasn’t without challenges, as she had to learn to think beyond the statistical mindset. However, her dedication to making a difference led her to successfully contribute to both mathematical statistics and health-related research.

Since joining KNUST in 2009, Prof. Adebanji has played a pivotal role in shaping statistics initiatives in Ghana. She is the founder and coordinator of the KNUST Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Analysis (KNUST-LISA), offering statistical consulting services in collaboration with multidisciplinary experts.

With over 80 publications to her credit, Prof. Adebanji emphasizes the importance of being a “utility statistician” and stresses collaboration as a key factor in success. Her contributions have earned her recognition, and she holds significant positions in international statistical and biometric societies.

On February 22nd, Prof. Adebanji will deliver her professorial lecture, titled “Facts from Artifacts: A Journey in Statistical Inquisition.” The lecture, delivered in simple language, will focus on maternal health, echoing her belief that healthy women are essential for a healthy nation.

Throughout her impactful career, Prof. Atinuke Olusola Adebanji’s dedication to statistical research and advocacy for maternal health stands as a testament to her commitment to making a difference.