BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
For better weather data designed to catalyse industrial growth, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is partnering with the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE),Delta state, on weather observation, research and e-learning.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, made the disclosure on Thursday, 16th May 2024, at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between NiMet and the university.
Professor Anosike observed that oil companies have weather stations spread across the shores of Nigeria, which are illegal according to the new NiMet Act.
He said that these weather stations need to be registered with NiMet in compliance with the NiMet Act and solicited the collaboration of the University to achieve this.
Speaking further, Professor Anosike noted that the partnership with the petroleum institution will not only help improve data gathering on climate risk in the area, but also strategically make NiMet become the centre of excellence in disseminating the risk to the oil and gas sector.
“I will like the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), to take advantage of NiMet’s e-learning services that will soon be unveiled. It would actually fast-track the introduction of joint courses between FUPRE and NiMet”, Professor Anosike concluded.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh disclosed that the institution expects support from NiMet in the installation of observatory stations, training personnel on generation of weather data that can support research, journals and academic publications and other good interventions that will impact on the university and its environment.
Amongst other things, the MoU aims to establish a collaborative framework between NiMet and FUPRE for joint efforts in research, training and promotion of activities relating to meteorology/climatology and climate change in Nigeria.
Specifically the MoU will have NiMet Install its observatory station known as Resident Observatory Station (ROS) in suitable locations within FUPRE for the purpose of carrying out meteorological activities.
The MoU signing was witnessed by the Director, Legal Services of NiMet, Barr. Shola Gabriel and other staff of the Agency. The Vice Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh signed on behalf of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) , Delta state, while Professor Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.
