The director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike has stated that the agency’s partnerships with universities and other higher institutions in Nigeria will significantly benefit farmers and agrarian communities.
Anosike made this remark during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NiMet and Taraba State University on February 13, 2025. He emphasised that NiMet’s growing network of university partnerships is expanding the availability of weather and climate data beyond what is generated by the agency’s own weather stations. “These various data sources enrich the accuracy of our weather forecasts, ensuring we fulfill our mandate. Ultimately, this benefits local farmers and other users,” he said.
He further assured that NiMet would closely monitor the implementation of the agreements signed with universities to ensure that all parties meet their obligations.
In response, vice-chancellor of the Taraba State University, Prof. Sunday Bako highlighted the university’s goal of leveraging its partnership with NiMet to serve both the university community and the larger agrarian population. “Our departments of geography, agriculture and ecotourism stand to benefit from this collaboration. The agricultural faculty runs extension programmes and with the data from the weather station, we can raise awareness on sustainable farming and climate-smart practices,” he noted.
The four-year renewable MoU aims to enhance meteorological and climate change research in Nigeria while equipping both parties with tools to improve the delivery of weather-related products and services across multiple sectors.
