An inaugural lecture represents the pinnacle of an academic's career. It is the desire of university lecturers to present an inaugural lecture that highlights their contributions to knowledge in their chosen field of research.

With an estimated 200 million people, Nigeria, as a developing nation, faces significant challenges in utilizing its vast population to leverage opportunities for growth, sustainable development, and data integration for economic diversification.

The 7th Inaugural Lecture of Akwa Ibom State University will focus on these issues and more. The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2025, and will take place at the Tetfund Lecture Theatre located on the main campus of the university in Ikot Akpaden.

The lecture titled ‘Innovation in Multivariate Time Series and Application to Nigerian Economic Data’ will be presented by Professor Anthony Usoro, an expert in Time Series Statistical Data Analytics.

A multivariate time series is a collection of multiple dependent variables observed over the same time interval. Some key characteristics of this statistical framework include the analysis of multiple variables, the interdependence of these variables, simultaneous observation of outcomes, and a focus on time. Applications of multivariate time series analysis are diverse and include financial data analysis, weather forecasting, healthcare data optimization, and energy consumption studies.

Professor Usoro began his career as an Assistant Lecturer II at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic in 2001, joined Michael Okpara University, Umudike, in 2008 before settling for Akwa Ibom State University in 2012. He is a fellow of the Institute of Policy Management Development and a member of the Chartered Institute of Statisticians of Nigeria.

The Don has published 44 journal papers in peer-reviewed journals and books, and he has attended numerous conferences both locally and internationally. In 2013, he was appointed as a Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State Assembly Service Commission. Later, in 2018, he became a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Demographic Planning.

Usoro, who is currently the Head of Statistics Department of the institution, was promoted to the rank of professor in 2022 after years of extensive experience in teaching, research, and significant contributions to the development of his community and beyond.

The lecture will examine effective solutions to the challenges associated with data mining, to promote optimal growth within society. It will analyze potential strategies for establishing a statistical foundation essential for budget preparation and planning for developmental initiatives. Additionally, the lecture will provide insights into the significant role that data analysis plays in project conceptualization, strategic planning, and addressing stakeholder expectations.

A statement from Dr. Ebi Eno Ibanga, Registrar of the University and Secretary to the Senate, indicates that the lecture will start at 2 pm, while guests are expected to be seated by 1.30 pm. The lecture is expected to draw participants from the academia, research platforms and police makers.