University of Abuja and NiMet strengthen partnership on smart climate project

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), have deepened the partnership, with the aim of advancing discussions on the Smart Climate Project and other areas of mutual interest.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, led the University management team on a courtesy visit to the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Prof. Charles Anosike, said the visit was on behalf of the University Governing Council.

He said other key areas discussed include joint research, remote sensors, GIS tools, weather stations, use of climate data, linking academia and industry and knowledge exchange.

In his welcome speech, Prof. Anosike congratulated Prof. Fawehinmi on his appointment as Vice-Chancellor and underlined the importance of closer institutional ties.

He described the University as NiMet’s closest academic partner.

He noted that more than 60% of NiMet interns come from the University and recalled NiMet’s previous support for the development of its weather station.

Professor Anosike urged universities to maintain NiMet-supported weather stations to keep them functional for teaching, research and climate services.

He also pledged to create a new weather station at the University.

Both institutions agreed on the need to make climate information more accessible, practical and useful for students, researchers, farmers, planners and communities through the Smart Climate Project.

A joint technical team from NiMet and the University of Abuja has been established to define collaboration priorities and guide implementation.