Introduction

The Bachelor of Statistics and Planning is a specialist three-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) program. Statistics is concerned with the study of quantitative data analysis, including estimation, prediction and hyposthesis testing among others. It has applications in many fields including the physical, biological and social sciences as well as business, finance, engineering and information technology.
The degree offers a rigorous program of training in the theory and applications of statistics and planning. The program involves a core in mainstream statistical application and theory, supplemented by studies in specialist streams. Students acquire skills in any of a number of areas including Business or Financial Statistics, Econometrics, Statistical Methodology, Applied Probability, or Psychological or Sociological Research Methods. Some studies from other areas of the University may be included in the program.
The Planning component provides academic education and applied learning leading to qualifications in planning courses. Planning has as its focus the management and development of urban and rural areas; ranging from small local precincts to metropolitan areas and regions. The planner's task is often to integrate and coordinate the aims and actions of a large number of government and private organisations and individuals to provide an equitable and efficient distribution of resources. Working at the interface of development and the environment, this involves collecting and analysing information; identifying needs and options; making forecasts; preparing policies, plans and programs for implementation; exercising development control; investigating development proposals; and evaluating results, communicating outcomes and consultation.

Justification

In a growing economy, the demand for highly trained professionals in the area of statistics and planning is highly elastic. Many programmes and projects are undertaken and they need trained manpower to ensure that they are viable and can be sustained. With proper planning, there exists a great challenge of producing graduates who possess statistics knowledge and competencies for evidence based planning, monitoring and evaluation.
The degree in statistics and planning is designed to give students a thorough knowledge of the field and to provide an enduring foundation for future professional growth in the area of statistics and planning. The program blends theory and practice into a learning experience that develops skills applicable to complex real-world business and institutional challenges. In the Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Planning, the degree program is based on mathematics, and is designed to give students a broad foundation in topics such as probability. In addition, the students receive classes in areas like multiple variable calculus, applied statistics methods, Linear algebra, and statistics and probability among others with a view of managing the highly needed data in the development processes. On the other hand planning is primarily involved in helping people and communities manage growth and change in their physical, social and economic environments. The focus is on understanding how cities and towns (human settlements) function and how to make them better places for people to live and to prosper in the highly dynamic world.

General Objectives

The objectives of the Statistics and Planning Degree programme are: -

• To build human resource capacity with Statisticians that can collect and analyze mathematical data to solve problems and make predictions on future outcomes.
• To generate a pool of highly qualified candidates that can apply their knowledge to many different fields, including manufacturing, government, science, engineering, public health and education.
• To train learners in making forecasts on population growth, economic conditions, or the outcome of elections.
• To develop professionals with theoretical knowledge to work to develop the theories on which statistical techniques are based.
• To make statisticians and planners work on the research and marketing problems of many industries.
• To provide an avenue to those already engaged in research, publication and data management sectors to collect and interpret statistics.
• To enable statisticians in industry to work on quality control and product development issues. In companies, for instance, this program trains statisticians to make design experiments that determine the failure rate of products or the error rate of products.
• To manage and or provide advise on using statistics for planning purposes in various sectors and areas.
• To create an awareness of the context in which planning operates, impart knowledge of how planning can influence the community and the physical environment.
• To equip students with the competence to apply planning knowledge at different levels in a wide range of situations.
• To create an understanding of the contribution other disciplines can make to planning and vice versa, and develop skills in policy formulation, land use allocation and control, design and communication.

Target Groups

The programme shall target students with at least one of the following;-

1. 'A' Level Certificates with at least 2 principle passes in mathematics and any other related science subjects
2. Persons who have passed Mature Age Entrance Examinations;
3. Diploma holders in related courses.
4. Applicants with Bachelors’ Degrees in other fields shall also be admitted if they apply.

Career Prospects for Statistics and planning programme:

1. Statisticians
2. Data Analysts
3. Actuary
4. Marketing Research Analysts
5. Planners
6. Quality Assurance engineers.