BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Cosmopolitan University have agreed to deepen collaboration on the development of innovative technologies aimed at promoting climate-smart solutions, digital agriculture, aviation research and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven applications.
The agreement was reached on Monday when the Vice Chancellor of Cosmopolitan University, Professor Carl Adams, led the university’s management team on a courtesy visit to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike.
During the meeting, both institutions expressed their commitment to forging a strategic partnership that would leverage scientific research, meteorological data and emerging technologies to build climate-resilient communities and improve livelihoods across Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Anosike said both institutions share a common vision of translating scientific research into practical solutions that address societal challenges.
He noted that NiMet, as Nigeria’s national meteorological agency, has continued to produce research outputs and climate information services that support government planning, agriculture, aviation, disaster risk reduction and other critical sectors of the economy.
The NiMet boss also commended Cosmopolitan University for embracing cutting-edge technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to develop climate-ready and climate-resilient communities.
According to him, integrating AI with meteorological science will play a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to respond to climate change and improve decision-making in weather-sensitive sectors.
In his remarks, Adams reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of indigenous AI scientists and innovators capable of developing home-grown solutions to climate and environmental challenges.
He said the institution is investing in research and innovation driven by satellite technology, artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development.
The Vice Chancellor stressed that collaboration with NiMet would provide an opportunity to combine the agency’s extensive meteorological expertise with the university’s research capabilities to deliver impactful solutions for the country.
As part of the discussions, both institutions agreed to formalise their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The proposed agreement will focus on a multidisciplinary approach to climate-smart and digital agriculture, particularly for smallholder farmers, while also covering aviation research, staff exchange programmes, data analytics, AI applications and the use of meteorological information to improve socio-economic outcomes.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen research collaboration, facilitate knowledge sharing and support the development of innovative technologies that can enhance weather forecasting, agricultural productivity and climate adaptation efforts.
Officials said the collaboration aligns with ongoing efforts to harness science, technology and innovation to address the growing impacts of climate change while supporting sustainable economic development.
The Vice Chancellor was accompanied on the visit by the Pro-Chancellor of Cosmopolitan University and other members of the institution’s senior management team, who held extensive discussions with NiMet’s leadership on areas of mutual interest and future collaboration.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
