NiMet, UNIZIK sign MOU to build weather station

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By Madu Obi

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to build a weather station in the university.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Charles Esimone signed on behalf of the Governing Council of the institution, while Professor Charles Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Professor Anosike charged the management of UNIZIK to take leadership in downscaling NiMet’s annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) to farmers and other users in Anambra State and beyond.

According to Anosike, the MOU is a big achievement for NiMet as the partnership will ensure that farmers and other users receive timely weather and climate information.

He commended Professor Esimone for the commitment shown in the project on behalf of the university, as it shows the importance the university attached to weather and climate information.

While thanking NiMet for the opportunity, the Vice Chancellor said: “I am promising NiMet that UNIZIK will play its part in fulfilling the terms of the MOU which is a landmark accomplishment.

"Not only our local farmers, but our students, lecturers and researchers will benefit from this relationship, especially in the areas of information on climate prediction and climate change”.

“UNIZIK will match the financial commitments of NiMet to the project by two because weather and climate information are critical to economic development.

“We will also involve our Centre for Community Development (CCD) with this project so that we can improve on farmer education".

He urged NiMet to also consider training relevant UNIZIK staff to help sustain the terms of the MOU.

Professor Esimone was accompanied by Professor Ifeanyi Christian Enete of the Department of Geography and Meteorology in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, while Directors of NiMet also witnessed the signing ceremony.