By Helen Udo.
The University of Abuja has strengthened its partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to advance the Smart Climate Project through enhanced collaboration in climate research, innovation, and knowledge sharing. The development followed a courtesy visit by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, and members of the management team to NiMet’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike.
Prof. Fawehinmi explained that the visit, made on behalf of the University’s Governing Council chaired by Distinguished Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, sought to deepen discussions on the Smart Climate Project and explore other areas of mutual interest between both institutions.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in joint research, deployment of remote sensors, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools, weather stations, climate data utilisation, academic-industry partnerships, and knowledge exchange to improve climate resilience and scientific innovation.
In his remarks, Prof. Anosike congratulated Prof. Fawehinmi on his appointment as substantive Vice-Chancellor and described the University as NiMet’s closest academic partner. He revealed that over 60 per cent of NiMet interns are from the institution, recalled the agency’s previous support in establishing its weather station, and pledged to provide a new weather station while urging universities to properly maintain existing facilities.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to making climate information more accessible and beneficial to students, researchers, farmers, planners, and communities through the Smart Climate Project. They also constituted a joint technical team to identify collaboration priorities and oversee the implementation of agreed initiatives.
