The Nigerian Meteorology Agency (NiMet) has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria for the establishment of a mini-Automatic Weather Station (AWOS).

This is with a view to enhancing research and development on meteorology, and nuclear science.

The MoU involves installation of the AWOS at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) of the ABU.

Auwalu Umar, director, public affairs directorate of the university disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Zaria.

According to Mr Umar, the MoU was signed by the ABU and NIMET in Abuja on June 30.

The MoU aimed at strengthening research activities leading to world quality outputs in meteorology/climatology, nuclear science and technology, as well as material analyses. 

He added that Adamu Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor, ABU, signed the MoU on behalf of the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), while Charles Anosike, director-general of the meteorology agency signed for NiMet.

Mr Umar said the installation was aimed at supporting licensing requirements for the operation of the Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIPR-1).

He added that NIMET would also collaborate with the ABU’s energy research centre towards promoting and downscaling of Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), as well as maintaining the meteorological instruments installed in the mini-automatic weather station.

“Again, NiMet will permit the institution’s staff and students with interest in teaching, knowledge acquisition, research and training in climatology/meteorology and have access to the agency’s meteorological and climate data or information.

“The access is for research activities subject to the NiMet data policy,” he said.

Mr Umar said under the agreement, NiMet would additionally undertake to identify locations to carry out gaseous and NORM mapping around airports.

He added that NiMet would also provide cost and expenses for use of consumables necessary for the enhanced instrumentation training in nuclear science research.

“CERT is also obligated to provide technical support in developing soil fertility analysis to enhance NiMet’s capacity in seasonal climate predictions and climate-smart agricultural practices.

“CERT is to develop NiMet’s capacity to carry out gaseous mapping, analysis of harmattan dust and NORM evaluation of airports, as well as train the agency’s staff in basic and applied nuclear science and related analytical techniques for environmental analysis,” he said. 

(NAN)