Benchmark Regulation and Delivery of Statistics Education at the University Level in Nigeria

The Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS; National Universities Commission, 2014) is a gauge for the quality of academic programmes taught in Nigerian universities. This study analyzed published administrative data and survey data that covered personnel, physical facilities, equipment, and library and information support systems. Results show that the mix of academic staff in statistics was 20% Professors/Readers, 21% Senior Lecturers, and 59% Lecturers compared with the proposed BMAS mix of 20%, 35%, and 45%, respectively. The survey among 29 universities showed that internet access was available for education support services, and 55% of the universities adopted a 6-month industrial training as stipulated by the regulatory body. There is an urgent need to revise the BMAS and to engage senior personnel with improving the quality of statistical training.