The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) is set to collaborate with the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, on weather observation, research and e-learning.
This partnership was announced by the director-general of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike on Thursday, May 16, 2024, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NiMet and the university.
Anosike highlighted that oil companies have unauthorised weather stations along Nigeria’s shores, which contravenes the new NiMet Act. He emphasised the need for these stations to be registered with NiMet in accordance with the Act and sought the university’s cooperation in achieving this goal.
Furthermore, Anosike pointed out that collaborating with the petroleum institution would enhance data collection on climate risks in the region and position NiMet as a leading center for disseminating such risks to the oil and gas sector.
“I encourage the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) to utilise NiMet’s upcoming e-learning services. This will facilitate the development of joint courses between FUPRE and NiMet,” Anosike concluded.
In response, FUPRE’s vice-chancellor, Professor Akpofure Rim-Rukeh expressed the institution’s anticipation of NiMet’s assistance in setting up observatory stations, training personnel in weather data generation to support research, publications and other beneficial interventions for the university and its surroundings.
The MoU aims to establish a collaborative framework for joint research, training and promotion of meteorology, climatology and climate change activities in Nigeria. Specifically, NiMet will install its resident observatory station (ROS) within FUPRE for meteorological operations.
The MoU signing was attended by NiMet’s director of legal services, Barr. Shola Gabriel and other agency staff. Rim-Rukeh signed on behalf of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, while Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.
