NiMet Signs MoU to Promote Meteorology in Universities
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with several universities in Nigeria to promote the science of meteorology within the academic institutions at tertiary level.
Prof Mansur Bako Matazu, the Director General/CEO of NiMet, who disclosed this during the 2023 World Meteorological Day (WMD), said they have placed special importance in the future generations by working with the young minds in the country.
The 2023 WMD is themed: “The future of weather, climate and water across generations”.
The DG NiMet, who was represented by the Director, Research & Training, NiMet, Prof. Effiom Oku, said the country’s weather observers are largely youths who begin their careers in the field of meteorology at a very young age.
Oku, said they have designed, developed and implemented a programme called Young Meteorological Ambassadors whose members were the event.
According to him, to support national and regional development, NiMet continues to render services in support of aviation, agriculture, construction, tourism, defence, water resources management, telecommunications, environment, communications, etc.
“The development of our products and services includes the effective utilisation of young minds as well as the experience within the Agency creating innovations to what we do and how we do them.
“This has positively impacted on our routine publications and on demand services such as the Seasonal Climate Prediction as part of the Agency’s meteorological Early Warning System in line with the United Nations Early Warning for ALL.
“Other products and services include Hydrometeorological Bulletin, Annual State of the Climate report in Nigeria, Agrometeorological Bulletin, Climate and Health Bulletin, Daily weather outlooks and bulletins, TV weather forecasts, Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts, Marine Bulletin, Impact-Based Weather Forecast, and multitudes of other routine and on demand products and services cutting across all socio-economic sectors.
He called on institutions and individuals to invest in future generations, create awareness on the dangers of climate change such as extreme weather and loss of livelihoods; and provide opportunities for them to proffer solutions thereby making the World a safer place for All. “We must catch them young.
On his part, the representative of WMO for North, Central and West Africa, Dr Bernard Gomez, said NiMet has signed a MoU with the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) secretariat as one of the technical partners that will support some countries participating in the SOFF programme.
