PREFACE

Traditionally, Stat

istics is desc

ribed as a co

llection of

n

umbers, chart

s or data whi

ch ar

e analyz

ed and interpreted in o

rder to be utilized for predict

ion and decision making. In mod

ern society, Statistics gives us

the opportunity to evaluate an

uncertainty using data been c

ollected and analyzed and to

assess the likelihood of fu

ture occurrence.

In the ed

ucation sector, Statistics is referred to as “Educational Statistics” which means the application of the science of Statistics to solve educational problems. Therefore, various stakeholders in the education industry need reliable information in order to arrive at valid decision which is made possible through the use of Statistics. Thus, Statistics is used to actively perform specific educational tasks.

As a matter of fact, and specifically in the educational industries, educational statistics is used in various areas of endeavors such as to; determine the educational needs of the community in terms of school enrolment, withdrawal rate, and number of out-of-school rate. It is used to plan for valid estimates of human resources in terms of Teachers, Non-teaching Staff and Students.

Indeed, educational budgeting cannot be effective where accurate statistics is not available. As for Educators and Researchers, they would only be able to report research findings if they are competent and have good grip of educational statistics. This is because of the fact that, when reading research reports they would encounter Statistical symbols, concepts and ideas which must be read and understood. Hence, statistical knowledge and understanding are very necessary for all stakeholders especially those in the educational industries.

Dr. Nma Aliyu Ibrahim

Director, Directorate of University Affiliated Programs

Niger State College of Education, Minna